Reinforcement of acrylic resin denture base with a Ni-Cr alloy plate

A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the strengthening effect of a Ni-Cr metal plate on an acrylic resin test specimen. Test specimens were retained using a mechanical method and adhesion with 4-META resin. Three positions of the metal plate were evaluated: on the compression surface, on the tension surface, and in the middle layer. A three-point bend test was used to compare physical properties of the specimens with metal-plate reinforcement to a resin specimen without reinforcement. No advantage was derived from placing the metal plate in the center of the resin. Both methods of retention produced improved physical properties when placed on either the compressive or tensile side, but the greatest advantages were gained when an adhesive-retained plate was placed on the side in tension.