Bioactive Glass-Enhanced Resins: A New Denture Base Material

Current denture base materials lack the ability to actively contribute to oral health preservation. Traditional acrylic resins do not release ions or form beneficial mineral layers. Previous studies have explored ion-releasing materials in dental applications, but their long-term effects remain unclear. No prior work had resolved how bioactive glass integration affects resin properties. Researchers have shown that ion-releasing materials can influence remineralization processes. However, the specific impact of bioactive glass on denture base resins is still underexplored. The need exists to evaluate how ion release from bioactive glass affects mechanical and chemical properties. This gap motivated the investigation into bioactive glass-modified resins for denture bases.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using bioactive glass-modified resins as denture base materials. The specific problem addressed is the lack of materials that can both maintain structural integrity and support oral health. The motivation stems from the potential of ion-releasing materials to prevent tooth demineralization. The researchers sought to determine if these resins could release ions over extended periods. They also wanted to measure mechanical properties like flexural strength. The goal was to evaluate sorption and solubility under simulated oral conditions. The study aimed to confirm if hydroxyapatite formation occurs with these materials. This could lead to denture bases that actively support oral health.

The study involved modifying acrylic resins with 20% of four bioactive glass types. The resins were mixed with powdered bioactive glass and formed into samples. Mechanical testing included measuring flexural strength at 1 and 60 days. Sorption and solubility were assessed over a 7-day period. Ion release was monitored in solutions at pH 4 and pH 7 for 42 days. Infrared spectroscopy was used to detect hydroxyapatite layer formation. The samples were analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, silicon, and fluoride ion concentrations. The results were compared across different glass types and conditions.

The modified resins showed a flexural strength above 65 MPa after 60 days. Biomin F glass samples released fluoride ions continuously for 42 days. At pH 4, these samples released 3.1 mg/L of fluoride and 0.62 mg/L of calcium. Biomin C glass samples released higher levels of calcium and phosphorus. At pH 4, they released 41.23 mg/L of calcium and 26.43 mg/L of phosphorus. Sorption and solubility values remained within acceptable limits for denture materials. Infrared analysis confirmed hydroxyapatite layer formation on the samples. The partially silanized bioactive glasses extended ion release duration.

The authors suggest that bioactive glass-modified resins may serve as effective denture base materials. These materials may help prevent tooth demineralization through ion release. The study indicates that hydroxyapatite formation is possible with these resins. The mechanical properties of the resins meet clinical requirements. Ion release was sustained over 42 days in both pH conditions. The results suggest that Biomin F and C glasses are promising additions. The partially silanized glasses may enhance long-term ion release. These findings may support the development of denture bases that actively preserve oral health.