[Comparative analysis of elastic materials for lining of removable dental prosthesis in vitro]

This work has dealt with the in vitro physicochemical, elastic, and microbiological properties of polymer lining materials used in dental prosthetics. Representatives of two soft polymer groups were analyzed: Vertex Soft NF, a plastified acrylic polymer, and Molloplast B, a silicon elastomer. Vertex Rapid Simplified and Triplex--two acrylic polymers routinely used at the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry were chosen as representatives of rigid acrylic material. The laminar plates of the denture are lined with elastic material to reduce wear discomfort and eliminate symptoms associated with compression of the oral mucosa by the denture. Wear-dependent deterioration in physicochemical, elastic, and microbiological properties presents as prosthetic stomatopathies due to the combined action of mechanical lesions, fungal growth, and toxicity of components of the denture, necessitating replacement of the denture. Samples used in this study were prepared at the Department of Dental Prosthetics, Pomeranian Academy of Medicine. The process of polymerization was carried out strictly as recommended by the manufacturers. The in vitro analyses were done at the Polymer Institute, Technical University of Szczecin, and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pomeranian Academy of Medicine. A special system was used to reproduce conditions in the oral cavity and study their effects on the elastic liners. Samples were placed in the chamber for varying periods, depending on the type of test and material. Thermodynamic analysis was done to confirm proper polymerization and hardening. Time-dependent loss of contact between the elastic liner and rigid denture under tangential (shear) and normal (tear) stress applied to the liner-denture interface was examined. Resistance was studied using INSTRON model 4206-006 universal testing machine. Compressive changes in elastic properties of the soft materials were examined by calculating Young's modulus. Changes in viscoelastic properties of the materials depending on temperature and frequency were followed using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). A precision microbalance from Sartorius (+/- 0.00001 g) was used to measure time-dependent changes in weight and sorption of water. Adhesion of Candida albicans to the rigid and soft acrylic materials was determined after incubation for 3, 6 or 24 h at 37 degrees C. The study has shown that adhesive strength is much greater for acryl-acryl than acryl-silicon interface. Elastic properties of Molloplast B are very stable and superior to those of Vertex Soft NF. Time-dependent sorption of water and changes in weight have confirmed the stable nature of Molloplast B. Adhesion of Candida albicans to Vertex Soft NF was less noticeable.