Dimensional stability of dentures processed in boilable acrylic resins: a comparative study

An investigation was conducted to evaluate and compare the dimensional stability of three fast boilable denture resins with a conventional and a high-impact denture resin processed with a long-curing cycle. Although the boilable denture resins have been introduced to the dental profession and offer merits such as faster processing, saving time for the dentist, patient, and technician, reduction of energy costs, and dramatic increase in denture laboratory production without adding personnel or purchasing new equipment, the relevant dental literature is sparse. The results of this investigation indicate that all five denture resins produced dentures that shrink. Also measurements between certain teeth showed shrinkages. Linear shrinkages of denture bases and teeth distances were less than 1%. Flange-to-flange and molar-to-molar changes were less than 0.5 mm and 0.2 mm respectively. Maxillary complete dentures processed in boilable resins presented less distortion in the midpalatal area across the posterior section than dentures processed in the conventional heat-cured resin. Although linear changes reported in this investigation were thought to be clinically insignificant, clinical studies should be conducted to establish correlation with laboratory findings.