Mechanical Properties of the Modified Denture Base Materials and Polymerization Methods: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Clinical longevity of dentures relies on the mechanical properties of base materials.
• Technological advancements have introduced novel denture base materials and polymerization techniques.
• Evaluating these innovations is crucial for improving denture performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the impact of new denture base materials and polymerization methods on mechanical properties.
• To assess the suitability of these advancements for clinical application.
• To identify trends in denture base material research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted from January 2011 to December 2021.
• Papers were selected based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Twenty-two eligible studies were identified from 579 initial papers, with moderate to low risk of bias.

Main Results:

• Conventional heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and compression molding remain prevalent.
• Chemically modified PMMA, incorporating monomers, oligomers, copolymers, and cross-linking agents, shows potential for enhanced properties.
• No single polymerization method demonstrated clear superiority over conventional compression molding.

Conclusions:

• Chemically modified PMMA resins may offer improved mechanical properties for denture bases.
• Further research is needed to definitively establish the superiority of novel polymerization techniques.
• Conventional methods, while established, may be enhanced by material modifications.