Influence of silanized silica and silanized feldspar addition on the mechanical behavior of polymethyl methacrylate resin denture teeth

Abstract

Statement of problemArtificial denture teeth made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin have good adhesion to the denture base but are relatively soft and have limited wear resistance during function. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of the addition of 2 inorganic nanofillers on the flexural strength, maximal displacement, elastic modulus, Isolde impact resistance, and Brinell hardness of acrylic resin denture teeth. Material and methodsHeat polymerizing polymethyl methacrylate resin was mixed with silanized silica or silanized feldspar in concentrations of 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 15 wt%. The first test was conducted after 24 hours of storage in laboratory conditions, and the second assessment was conducted after 3 months of storage in distilled water at 37 °C. The Brinell hardness was evaluated, and the elastic modulus and maximal displacement at fracture were calculated. The flexural strength and Isolde impact resistance were measured with a 3-point flexural test. Acrylic resin specimens without filler addition were used as a control group. Statistical analysis included 2-way ANOVA for independent variables (α=.05) and the Student t test for time-dependent changes (α=.05). These were performed with Statistica 12 software. ResultsThe acrylic resin specimens modified with the addition of silanized feldspar had significantly higher Brinell hardness, elastic modulus, maximal displacement, and flexural strength and also had no adverse effect on Isolde impact resistance compared with the conventional acrylic resin. Silica filler increased the Brinell hardness and elastic modulus of acrylic resins but significantly reduced the flexural strength and Isolde impact resistance.