Polymeric Denture Base Materials: A Review

Abstract

An ideal denture base must have good physical and mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and esthetic properties. Various polymeric materials have been used to construct denture bases. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most used biomaterial for dentures fabrication due to its favorable properties, which include ease of processing and pigmenting, sufficient mechanical properties, economy, and low toxicity. This article aimed to comprehensively review the current knowledge about denture base materials (DBMs) types, properties, modifications, applications, and construction methods. We searched for articles about denture base materials in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Journals covering topics including dental materials, prosthodontics, and restorative dentistry were also combed through. Denture base material variations, types, qualities, applications, and fabrication research published in English were considered. Although PMMA has several benefits and gained popularity as a denture base material, it has certain limitations and cannot be classified as an ideal biomaterial for fabricating dental prostheses. Accordingly, several studies have been performed to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of PMMA by chemical modifications and mechanical reinforcement using fibers, nanofillers, and hybrid materials. This review aimed to update the current knowledge about DBMs’ types, properties, applications, and recent developments. There is a need for specific research to improve their biological properties due to patient and dental staff adverse reactions to possibly harmful substances produced during their manufacturing and use.

Flexible Denture: A Literature Review

“…To transfer food temperature to the oral tissues, DBMs must possess sufficient thermal conductivity. If a material has low thermal conductivity, it will generate heat during denture production, thereby resulting in surface crazing [ 2 ]. Furthermore, low conductivity may compromise a patient’s capacity to perceive food temperature, meaning particularly hot beverages may burn the sensitive soft tissues in the throat or esophagus without the patient realizing it.…”

“…The surface hardness of a material affects the material wear resistance and refers to the plastic deformation of specimens subjected to an indentation load [ 2 ]. Researchers in one study compared two types of PMMA DBMs which are Acralyn-H and DPI to two types of flexible dentures (Flexident and Valplast) and found that the hardness of the PMMA DBMs was higher than that of the flexible DBMs, with values of 82.5 ± 3.779 (VHN) for Acralyn-H, 76.9 ± 4.771 (VHN)for DPI, 67.4 ± 1.955 (VHN)for Flexident, and 66.0 ± 2.78 (VHN) for Valplast [ 18 ].…”

“…However, each has its own limitations. Polymer-based DBMs are prone to fracture, whereas metallic DBMs are heavy and technique-sensitive during construction [ 2 ]. Thus, researchers continue to search for an ideal material in terms of biological and mechanical properties.…”

“…In terms of biological properties, it should be biocompatible with oral soft tissue. Finally, it should be cost-effective and easy to repair [ 2 ]. In this study, we review the recent literature to investigate the properties, advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications of nylon or polyamide DBMs.…”

The Influence of Contemporary Denture Base Fabrication Methods on Residual Monomer Content, Flexural Strength and Microhardness

“…Rehabilitation of edentulous patients with conventional removable dentures is a standard treatment protocol [ 1 , 2 ], and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) remains the most commonly used material for the fabrication of denture bases [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In addition to the well-known analogue techniques for the fabrication of denture bases, contemporary digital technologies are also available today and are used in everyday dental practise.…”