A comparison of monomer conversion and inorganic filler content in visible light-cured denture resins

Visible light-cured (VLC) denture resins are relatively new products used for the reline and repair of dentures. The conversion of monomer into polymer in 3 brands of visible light-cured denture resins was investigated. The relationship of the inorganic filler content to this conversion was also studied. It was determined that these reline materials vary in monomer conversion and weight percentage of filler, and this variation is brand dependent. The monomer conversion ranged from 77% to 97%. Significant differences in these values were found when duration of light exposure was increased. In addition, resin nearest to the light source polymerized to a greater extent when compared to resin that was 1 mm deep to this surface, hence furthest from the light source. The inorganic filler content ranged from 0% to 15%. For the resin systems studied, the relationship between monomer conversion and inorganic filler loading was inversely proportional. Results indicated that monomer conversion of VLC repair resins was affected by the duration of light exposure as well as the amount of inorganic filler present in the material.