Linear Dimensional Changes and Water Sorption of Acrylic Resin Denture Base Material Reinforced with Chopped Glass Fibers or Metal Fillers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the linear dimensional changes, and water sorption of a denture base polymer reinforced with chopped glass fiber and metal filler. The dimensional changes were measured immediately after processing, after 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 days of water storage. The results revealed that both types of reinforcement affect the dimensional accuracy and water sorption of the test specimens. The greatest dimensional accuracy was found with the glass fiber reinforced test specimens. The lowest amount of water sorption was found with the metal-filled test specimens. It was concluded that, metal fillers decreased the water sorption of the resin material greater than the effect of glass fibers, while the glass fibers showed marked reduction in the linear dimensional changes of acrylic resin than that of the metal fillers. The glass fibers and metal fillers can be clinically used as a denture base reinforcement.