RESUMO
Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the linear dimensional accuracy of denture bases processed with the conventional heat-polymerization technique and the Rafael and Saide (RS) tension system, taking a multidirectional approach. Materials and Methods: Twenty standard edentulous maxillary casts were randomly assigned into two groups. A uniform denture base of 1.5 mm thickness was fabricated in wax and later processed by two methods: Group I acrylic resin flasked with the conventional technique and Group II acrylic resin flasked with the RS tension system. The dimensional accuracy was assessed using traveling microscope. Results: The linear dimensional changes that occurred between the dentures produced with the new press method and the conventional method were statistically insignificant and ranged from 0.002 to 0.11. The dimensionally stable areas were the canines and the most unstable was the posterior palate. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the maximum linear dimensional change occurs around the molars and palatal segment, with the most stable areas being the canines. There was no significant linear dimensional change of the dentures processed between the conventional and the new press technique.