The Effects of Polishing Techniques on Surface Roughness of De-flex Denture Base

Abstract

Background: Materials are being developed to meet the needs of patients, such as flexible injectable thermoplastic resins that improve the esthetics of patients wearing removable partial dentures. Aim: To compare the surface roughness of thermoplastic resin materials before and after polishing with different surface treatments. Materials and methods: A total of 40 circle specimens of De-flex thermoplastic resin with dimensions (30 mm X 2 mm) were divided into four groups according to the surface’s polishing treatment. Each group of material has (10) specimens, the first group was polished with pumice, the second group was polished with pumice and then glazed, the third group was polished with investment (Phosphate bonded investments) and then glaze, and the fourth group was glazed. A digital surface roughness tester meter (TR: 220) device was used to indicate the values of the roughness of specimens before and after surface polishing treatment. Results: The result of surface roughness using t-test analysis revealed that a significant difference was reported among all the study groups (P < 0.05), the highest mean values were achieved in the group treated by Glaze only (2.6800 0.8439 µm), while the lowest mean values were obtained in the group treated pumice control group (2.4266± 0.5532µm). Conclusion: It was concluded that surface roughness was decreased in the control group of De-flex material when polished with pumice, while it was increased in the experimental groups after polished with Glaze material. The polishing material (Light Cure Glaze) is significantly rougher than pumice and burning investment materials.