Abstract
Acrylic restorations in the mouth are exposed to strong occlusal forces. Their mechanical properties depend on the type and method of their polymerization. The aim of this study is a comparative analysis of mechanical properties (flexural strength and modulus of elasticity) of acrylic materials before and after the post-polymerization treatments (water boiling, microwave irradiation and water storage). The study included denture base resins, as well as an acrylate for orthodontic appliances impregnated with aesthetic beads. Flexural strength, modulus of elasticity and the deflection were measured immediately after polymerization, after a hot and microwave post-polymerization and after immersion in a water bath at the temperature of 37?C. The applied post-polymerization methods resulted in an increase in flexural strength and modulus of elasticity relative to the initial values for all tested materials. Being aware of the reduction in fracture risk of dental prosthesis after a proposed post-polymerization procedure, it could be used in all clinical situations where there is an increased risk of damage to dentures.
Highlights
Acrylates are frequently used in dental practice as restoratives, liners or as denture base materials [1,2]
The aim of this study was a comparative analysis of the changes in mechanical properties of the acrylic materials before and after post-polymerization treatments
Results from the present study demonstrated the effects of water boiling, microwave and water bath post-polymerization treatments on mechanical properties of two heat polymerized and two cold polymerized denture base resin materials
Summary
Acrylates are frequently used in dental practice as restoratives, liners or as denture base materials [1,2]. These materials are divided as cold, heat, microwaved and light polymerized based on the initiation type of the polymerization reaction. Acrylic orthodontic appliances with dosed forces move teeth in children leading them to an optimal dentoalveolar relationship. Frequent fractures of dentures and orthodontic appliances, caused by masticatory forces or by an accidental break due to inappropriate operation, are reasons for constant striving for improvement of mechanical properties of acrylic materials. Even when they are optimally polymerized, their hardness, strength and impact resistance are lower compared to hard dental tissues. Midline fractures are related to the flexural strength of the resins, and this property is challenged every time the appliance undergoes cyclic functional deformation [5]
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