Nanoindentation and surface roughness profilometry of poly methyl methacrylate denture base materials

Polymers have a wide range of applications in dentistry. Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most popular for making orthodontic retainers, dentures as well as synthetic teeth. Prior to clinical applications, the appliances are polished in the dental laboratory to achieve smooth, polished and comfortable surfaces. The objective of this study was to analyze the surface roughness profiles of PMMA dentures polished using two different approaches. In addition, the effects of ultrasonication and sandblasting were also evaluated on the fitting surface of PMMA dentures.

This was an in vitro study using non-contact mode surface roughness profilometer and nano-indenter. Samples were polished using two different techniques (Standard and modified). Both cold cure and heat cure PMMA denture surfaces were evaluated for roughness, nanohardness and elastic modulus.

The absolute hardness was recorded 297.72±19.04 MPa and 229.93±18.53 MPa for heat cured PMMA and cold cured PMMA. Manufactured acrylic teeth were harder (319.20±12.58 MPa) with an elastic modulus of (4.34±1.86 GPa). Modified polishing techniques (group 3) produced smoother surface.

It was concluded that elastic moduli of acrylic tooth and heat cure PMMA is not very different. Surface treatments such as ultrasonication or sandblasting do not affect the roughness profiles of denture fitting surfaces.