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Polymerization characteristics of light- and auto-curing resins for individual splints
Gholamreza Danesh1, Carsten Lippold, Karl-Ludwig Mischke
1Department of Orthodontics, Dental School of Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Poliklinik für Kieferorthopädie, Waldeyerstr. 30, D-48149 Münster, Germany. siamak@uni-muenster.de
Summary
Light-curing resins demonstrate comparable or superior polymerization characteristics to autopolymerizing resins for occlusal splints. These findings suggest light-curing materials are a viable alternative for fabricating dental occlusal splints.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Occlusal splints are crucial for managing bruxism and TMJ disorders.
- Traditional autopolymerizing resins have limitations in handling and properties.
- Advancements in light-curing resins offer potential improvements for dental applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the polymerization characteristics of various light-curing and autopolymerizing resins.
- To assess key material properties relevant to occlusal splint fabrication.
- To determine the suitability of light-curing resins as alternatives to conventional materials.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of five resins: one autopolymerizing (Palapress) and four light-curing (Acrylight, Primosplint, Triad TranSheet Colorless, Pink).
- Polymerization characteristics evaluated included flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, water sorption, volumetric shrinkage, and double bond conversion.
- Resins were polymerized under controlled light conditions (320-400 nm or 400-500 nm) for 10 and 15 minutes, followed by statistical analysis (ANOVA, Scheffé test).
Main Results:
- Triad TranSheet Colorless exhibited superior flexural strength and modulus of elasticity compared to Primosplint and Palapress.
- Acrylight and Primosplint showed higher water sorption after 10-minute curing.
- Acrylight presented significantly higher volumetric shrinkage and residual double bonds, while polished samples consistently showed fewer residual double bonds across all light-curing resins.
Conclusions:
- Light-curing resins achieve material properties comparable to or exceeding those of autopolymerizing resins.
- These light-curing materials are suitable for occlusal splint fabrication.
- Light-curing resins represent a promising alternative to traditional autopolymerizing polymethylmethacrylates for dental applications.