Determination of Acrylic Denture Resin Surface Roughness by Different Processing Techniques

Background: Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) seems to be the most commonly used material in the construction of denture base due to its advantages. However, it is still far from being ideal in fulfilling the physical and mechanical properties. Therefore, attempts to improve the properties of PMMA were taken by the researcher through many ways The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of different processing techniques on surface roughness of acrylic base denture resin. Materials and Methods: A total sample of (50) specimens were prepared; these specimens were divided into 3 main processing techniques, and 5 experimental sub-groups (n=10): Group (A), acrylic denture base material processed by conventional water bath technique (74C for 1 and half hours then boiled for 30 min; Group (B), acrylic resins processed by microwave oven at (500 Watts) for 3 min; Group (C) samples processed by autoclave device with 3 different timing set up : (C1) for l0 min, (C2) for 20 min and (C3) for 30 min. This is done to make a comparison of different autoclave polymerization conditions on the surface roughness of denture base resin. Results: Statistically, there was no significant difference between the traditional water bath group technique and an autoclave system when the specimen processed at (121C/210Kpa) for 30 min. However, there was a statistically significant difference compared to other experimental groups. Conclusion: The autoclave processing technique could be the new alternative system to process the acrylic resin base material alongside the conventional methods. The experimental group prepared by autoclave system at (121C/21Kpa) for 30 min showed an improvement in the surface roughness compared to microwave and water bath techniques.