[Surface properties of resins used for removable dentures]

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Prosthetics

Background:

• Denture fabrication involves various flasking procedures that can influence the surface properties of the acrylic resins used.
• Understanding these surface characteristics is crucial for optimizing denture performance and longevity.
• Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) is a valuable tool for assessing microstructural details of dental materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively analyze the gingival surface texture of dentures fabricated using different flasking techniques.
• To identify and characterize surface irregularities and features of various denture base resins under SEM.
• To evaluate the impact of flasking procedures on resin cohesion and monomer-polymer interaction.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of denture resins (Futurajet, Futuracryl 2000, SR-Ivocap, Lucitone) using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM).
• Assessment of the gingival aspect of dentures fabricated with different flasking procedures.
• Microscopic examination of surface texture, including cracks, cohesion, and dissolution patterns.

Main Results:

• Futurajet resin showed cracks (100-200 microns long, 5 microns wide) with good polymer pellet cohesion.
• Futuracryl 2000 exhibited an 'orange peel' texture, indicating weak monomer-polymer interaction.
• SR-Ivocap displayed pleats and fractures on the palatal surface, while the buccal aspect was smoother.
• Lucitone resin presented minimal irregularities with well-dissolved polymer pellets.
• No porosities were detected on the surfaces of any tested resins.

Conclusions:

• Denture resin surface texture is significantly influenced by both the chemical composition of the resin and the specific flasking technique employed.
• Flasking procedures can alter the surface characteristics of denture base resins.
• The observed surface textures suggest varying degrees of monomer-polymer interaction and material cohesion across different resins.