ABSTRACT
Statement of Problem: Acrylic resins have been in the center stage of Prosthodontics for more than half a century. The flexural fatigue failure of denture base materials is the primary mode of clinical failure. Hence there is a need for superior physical and mechanical properties. Purpose: This in vitro study compared the transverse strength of specimens of thermopressed injection-molded and conventional compression-molded polymethylmethacrylate polymers and examined the morphology and microstructure of fractured acrylic specimens. Materials and Methods: The following denture base resins were examined: Brecrystal (Thermopressed injection-molded, modified polymethylmethacrylate) and Pyrax (compression molded, control group). Specimens of each material were tested according to the American Society for Testing and Materials standard D790-03 for flexural strength testing of reinforced plastics and subsequently examined under SEM. The data was analyzed with Student unpaired t test. Results: Flexural strength of Brecrystal (82.08 ± 1.27 MPa) was significantly higher than Pyrax (72.76 ± 0.97 MPa). The tested denture base materials fulfilled the requirements regarding flexural strength (>65 MPa). The scanning electron microscopy image of Brecrystal revealed a ductile fracture with crazing. The fracture pattern of control group specimens exhibited poorly defined crystallographic planes with a high degree of disorganization. Conclusion: Flexural strength of Brecrystal was significantly higher than the control group. Brecrystal showed a higher mean transverse strength value of 82.08 ± 1.27 MPa and a more homogenous pattern at microscopic level. Based on flexural strength properties and handling characteristics, Brecrystal may prove to be an useful alternative to conventional denture base resins.
ABSTRACT
The demand for esthetic restorations has resulted in an increased use of dental ceramics for anterior and posterior restorations. A few decades ago, all-ceramic restorations were restricted to treatment in the anterior region, but now all-ceramic restorations can be made anywhere in the dentition. The properties of traditional ceramic materials, however, have limited their use to single crowns; larger restorations have been inadvisable because of insufficient strength. In attempts to meet the requirements for dental materials and improve strength and toughness, several new ceramic materials and techniques have been developed during the past few decades The paper reviews the current literature on dental zirconia with respect to survival, properties, marginal fit, cementation, esthetics and suggests clinical recommendations for their use.