Comparison of microwave-polymerized denture base resins

Three denture base resins, two designed for microwave polymerization and one for host-water-bath-processing, were compared. Results indicated that all four tested thicknesses (3, 6, 11.6, and 17.7 mm) of the water-bath-polymerized samples and one of the microwave-polymerized resins were porosity-free. When the water-bath-polymerized material was microwave processed, porosity was found when resin thickness exceeded 3 mm. When one resin designed for microwave polymerization was irradiated using the high-wattage (513 W), shorter cycle (4 minutes 52 seconds), porosity also occurred when the thickness exceeded 3 mm. Porosity did not occur until there was 9 mm of thickness when the lower-wattage (75.9 W), longer cycle (15 minutes 26 seconds) was used. No significant differences in transverse strength or hardness were noted between the materials.