Volumetric Change as a Parameter for the Accuracy of Impression Materials

In this paper we studied the behavior of some impression materials such as alginate, condensation and addition silicones, considering the following parameters: the reproductive capacity of morphological details - dimensional stability - the ability to reproduce with accuracy the ratio between morphological elements. The essential conditions that an impression material should fulfill are plasticity, fidelity, flexibility, good mechanical strength, dimensional stability, suitable setting time and compatibility with materials from which the models are manufactured.The study results indicated that condensation silicones present the highest volumetric changes, their contraction being the result of the evaporation of volatile byproducts.The dimensional stability of fingerprint materials is one of the variables that contribute to the accuracy or inaccuracy of dental prostheses, other factors being represented by the changes occurring during the preparation of the fingerprint material as well as the fingerprinting techniques.

The effect of flexible acrylic resin on masticatory muscle activity in implant-supported mandibular overdentures: a controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

It is not yet clear from the current literature to what extent masticatory muscle activity is affected by the use of flexible acrylic resin in the construction of implant-supported mandibular overdentures.

OBJECTIVE

To compare masticatory muscle activity between patients who were provided with implant-supported mandibular overdentures constructed from flexible acrylic resin and those who were provided with implant-supported mandibular overdentures constructed from heat-cured conventional acrylic resin.

METHODS

In this clinical trial, 12 completely edentulous patients were selected and randomly allocated into two equal treatment groups. Each patient in Group 1 received two implants to support a mandibular overdenture made of conventional acrylic resin. In Group 2, the patients received two implants to support mandibular overdentures constructed from "Versacryl" flexible acrylic resin. The maxillary edentulous arch for patients in both groups was restored by conventional complete dentures. For all patients, masseter and temporalis muscle activity was evaluated using surface electromyography (sEMG).

RESULTS

The results showed a significant decrease in masticatory muscle activity among patients with implant-supported mandibular overdentures constructed from flexible acrylic resin.

CONCLUSION

The use of "Versacryl" flexible acrylic resin in the construction of implant-supported mandibular overdentures resulted in decreased masticatory muscle activity.

Do flexible acrylic resin lingual flanges improve retention of mandibular complete dentures?

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to compare the retention of conventional mandibular complete dentures with that of mandibular complete dentures having lingual flanges constructed with flexible acrylic resin “Versacryl.”

Materials and Methods:

The study sample comprised 10 completely edentulous patients. Each patient received one maxillary complete denture and two mandibular complete dentures. One mandibular denture was made of conventional heat-cured acrylic resin and the other had its lingual flanges made of flexible acrylic resin Versacryl. Digital force-meter was used to measure retention of mandibular dentures at delivery and at 2 weeks and 45 days following denture insertion.

Results:

The statistical analysis showed that at baseline and follow-up appointments, retention of mandibular complete dentures with flexible lingual flanges was significantly greater than retention of conventional mandibular dentures (P < 0.05). In both types of mandibular dentures, retention of dentures increased significantly over the follow-up period (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The use of flexible acrylic resin lingual flanges in the construction of mandibular complete dentures improved denture retention.

Fabricating Complete Dentures with CAD/CAM and RP Technologies

Two techological approaches for fabricating dentures; computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and rapid prototyping (RP), are combined with the conventional techniques of impression and jaw relation recording to determine their feasibility and applicability. Maxillary and mandibular edentulous jaw models were produced using silicone molds. After obtaining a gypsum working model, acrylic bases were crafted, and occlusal rims for each model were fabricated with previously determined standard vertical and centric relationships. The maxillary and mandibular relationships were recorded with guides. The occlusal rims were then scanned with a digital scanner. The alignment of the maxillary and mandibular teeth was verified. The teeth in each arch were fabricated in one piece, or set, either by CAM or RP. Conventional waxing and flasking was then performed for both methods. These techniques obviate a practitioner's need for technicians during design and provide the patient with an opportunity to participate in esthetic design with the dentist. In addition, CAD/CAM and RP reduce chair time; however, the materials and techniques need further improvements. Both CAD/CAM and RP techniques seem promising for reducing chair time and allowing the patient to participate in esthetics design. Furthermore, the one-set aligned artificial tooth design may increase the acrylic's durability.

Physical properties of polyamide-12 versus PMMA denture base material

OBJECTIVES

Polyamide-12 (PA) is a flexible material suited for denture bases and clasping. This study investigated its potential aging effects with a focus on surface roughness, color stability, and elasticity.

METHODS

PA specimens (Valplast) of 40×10×2 mm and equally measuring PMMA specimens (Palapress) as control were fabricated. Color changes after storage in air, water, coffee, and red wine (n=10) were measured using the CIE L*a*b* color specification. Elasticity after thermocycling (1000, 3000, and 7000 cycles,  n=15) was measured by three-point bending testing. Mean surface roughness (Ra) was determined after storage in the liquids mentioned above and thermocycling (n=10).

RESULTS

Tukey's HSD test (P<0.05) revealed statistically significant color changes of PA in red wine (ΔE=4.27 after 12 days, ΔE=6.90 after 12 days) and coffee (ΔE=3.93 after 36 days) but no color changes in PMMA. Elastic modulus of PA was 845 MPa and not affected by thermocycling (Tukey's HSD test,  P>0.81). Dry specimens showed significantly decreased elasticity (P<0.001). Mean surface roughness (PA 0.20  μ m, PMMA 0.28  μ m) did not change significantly after thermocycling or storage (Mann-Whitney U-test,  0.16<P<0.65).

SIGNIFICANCE

PA exhibited a higher susceptibility to discoloration than PMMA. Neither surface roughness nor elasticity of PA was altered by artificial aging.