Background and aims. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used for the fabrication of removable prostheses. Silver nano-particles (AgNps) have been added to PMMA because of their antimicrobial properties, but their effect on the mechanical properties of PMMA is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AgNps on the tensile strength of PMMA.Materials and methods. For this study, 12 specimens were prepared and divided into two groups. Group 1 included PMMA without AgNps and group 2 included PMMA mixed with 5 wt% of AgNps. Tensile strength of the specimens was measured by Zwick Z100 apparatus. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS using t-test. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05.Results. This study showed that the mean tensile strength of PMMA in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1. Therefore, the tensile strength decreased significantly after incorporation of silver nano-particles.Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, tensile strength of acrylic resin specimens was influenced by silver nano-particles.

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Background. Corrosion resistance and ion release of alloys play a crucial role in biomedical applications. The present study aimed to investigate an increase in corrosion resistance and reduction in ion release in a commercial Co-Cr-Mo alloy by the chemical passivation method. Methods. Based on ADA97, 20 samples of Flexicast alloy were cast, surface-polished, and electrolytically passivated at room temperature for 24 h in a sodium sulfate solution. Corrosion and ion release of the alloys before and after passivation were studied in normal saline solution. Corrosion resistance and the ion release rates were measured by the weight loss method and atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively, before and after passivation after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. The surface morphology of the samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests using SPSS 20 at a significance level of <0.05. Results. The corrosion rate in the passivated samples was significantly lower than the non-passivated samples at the intervals (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) (P<0.05). The passivation of the alloy significantly reduced Co and Cr ion release in the first and fourth weeks, and in the first, second, and fourth weeks, respectively (P<0.05). SEM images revealed localized pitting associated with the corrosion, which was less significant in passivated samples. Conclusion. Chemical passivation of the CR-Co alloy significantly reduced corrosion and ionic release of Cr and Co over time.

Background. For esthetic considerations in anterior regions, abutments with high-strength ceramics such as alumina and zirconia have been developed as substitutes for titanium abutments. The present study was designed to investigate the distribution of stress in prosthesis and bone components of an implant-supported FPD with different abutments by using 3D finite element analysis. Methods. Ceramic FPDs were made from the canine to the upper left second premolar with titanium fixtures. In order to investigate the stress distribution, forces of 100 and 300 N were applied at angles of 0, 15 and 35 degrees to the central fossa of the second premolar and pontic, as well as the cingulum of the canine crown. Force loading was static. After analyzing the mechanical properties of the materials, boundary conditions and loading were performed according to the existing averages, and subsequently, the results obtained from this analysis were analyzed. Results. The highest level of stress was observed in the distal crest of the posterior implant (23.20 MPa) under lateral forces (15 and 35 degrees) in a model with both titanium abutments. Conclusion. Lateral forces induced higher accumulation of stress in the implant and surrounding bone, while abutment change did not affect the distribution of stress.