Effect of Different Surface Treatments as Methods of Improving the Mechanical Properties after Repairs of PMMA for Dentures.

Denture fractures are a common problem in dental practice, and their repair is considered a first option to restore their functional properties. However, the inter-material resistance may become compromised. Typically, the bond between these materials weakens. Therefore, various surface treatment methods may be considered to enhance their mechanical properties. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) heat-polymerized resin (HPR) was used as the repaired material, cold-polymerized material (CPR) for the repairs, and different variants of alumina abrasive blasting (AB), methyl methacrylate (M), ethyl acetate (EA), methylene chloride (CH), and isopropyl alcohol (IA) treatments were applied. Finally, combined surface treatments were chosen and analyzed. Surface morphologies after treatments were observed by scanning electron microscopy and the flexural, shear, and impact strengths were tested. AB and chemical treatment with CH, M, and EA was used to improve all mechanical properties, and further improvement of the properties could be achieved by combining both types of treatments. Varied changes in surface morphologies were observed. Treatment with IA yielded less favorable results due to the low impact strength. The best results were achieved for the combination of AB and CH, but during the application of CH it was necessary to strictly control the exposure time.

The Effect of Exposure to Candida Albicans Suspension on the Properties of Silicone Dental Soft Lining Material.

While functioning in the oral cavity, denture soft linings (SL) are exposed to contact with the microbiota. Dentures can offer perfect conditions for the multiplication of pathogenic yeast-like fungi, resulting in rapid colonisation of the surface of the materials used. In vitro experiments have also shown that yeast may penetrate SL. This may lead to changes in their initially beneficial functional properties. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of three months of exposure to a Candida albicans suspension on the mechanical properties of SL material and its bond strength to the denture base polymer, and to additionally verify previous reports of penetration using a different methodology. Specimens of the SL material used were incubated for 30, 60 and 90 days in a suspension of Candida albicans strain (ATCC 10231). Their shore A hardness, tensile strength, and bond strength to acrylic resin were tested. The colonization of the surface and penetration on fractured specimens were analysed with scanning electron and inverted fluorescence microscopes. Exposure to yeast did not affect the mechanical properties. The surfaces of the samples were colonised, especially in crystallized structures of the medium; however, the penetration of hyphae and blastospores into the material was not observed.

Influence of Hybrid Surface Modification on Biocompatibility and Physicochemical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V ELI Titanium.

Titanium-based materials are the most widely used materials in biomedical applications. However, according to literature findings, the degradation products of titanium have been associated with potential allergic reactions, inflammation, and bone resorption. The corrosion process of Ti-6Al-4V in the human body environment may be exacerbated by factors such as reduced pH levels and elevated concentrations of chloride compounds. Coatings made of biopolymers are gaining attention as they offer numerous advantages for enhancing implant functionality, including improved biocompatibility, bioactivity, wettability, drug release, and antibacterial activity. This study analyzes the physicochemical and electrochemical behavior of the Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy subjected to PCL and PCL/TiO2 deposition by the electrospinning method. To characterize the polymer-based layer, tests of chemical and phase composition, as well as surface morphology investigations, were performed. Wetting angle tests were conducted as part of assessing the physicochemical properties. The samples were subjected to corrosion behavior analysis, which included open circuit potential measurements, potentiodynamic tests, and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method. Additionally, the quantification of released ions post the potentiodynamic test was carried out using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) method. Cytotoxicity tests were also performed. It was found that surface modification by depositing a polymer-based layer on the titanium substrate material using the electrospinning method provides improved corrosion behavior, and the samples exhibit non-toxic properties.

A Temporary Acrylic Soft Denture Lining Material Enriched with Silver-Releasing Filler-Cytotoxicity, Mechanical and Antifungal Properties.

Colonization of temporary denture soft linings and underlying tissues by yeast-like fungi is an important clinical problem due to the negative influence on the process of prosthetic treatment. Typical hygienic procedures are often insufficient to prevent fungal infections, so in this study, an antimicrobial filler (silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate) was introduced into acrylic soft liner at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% (w/w). The effect of this modification on antifungal properties against Candida albicans, cytotoxicity, Shore A hardness, tensile strength and tensile bond strength, sorption and solubility was investigated, considering the recommended 30-day period of temporary soft lining use. The most favorable compilation of properties was obtained at a 1 to 6% filler content, for which nearly a total reduction in Candida albicans was registered even after 30 days of sample storing. The tensile and bond strength of these composites was at the desired and stable level and did not differ from the results for the control material. Hardness increased with the increasing concentration in filler but were within the range typical for soft lining materials and their changes during the experiment were similar to the control material. The materials were not cytotoxic and sorption and solubility levels were stable.

Chemical Modification of Dental Dimethacrylate Copolymer with Tetramethylxylylene Diisocyanate-Based Quaternary Ammonium Urethane-Dimethacrylates-Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Antibacterial Properties.

In this study, two novel quaternary ammonium urethane-dimethacrylates (QAUDMAs) were designed for potential use as comonomers in antibacterial dental composite restorative materials. QAUDMAs were synthesized via the reaction of 1,3-bis(1-isocyanato-1-methylethyl)benzene with 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-2-decylhydroxyethylmethylammonium bromide (QA10+TMXDI) and 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-2-dodecylhydroxyethylmethylammonium bromide (QA12+TMXDI). Their compositions with common dental dimethacrylates comprising QAUDMA 20 wt.%, urethane-dimethacrylate monomer (UDMA) 20 wt.%, bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) 40 wt.%, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) 20 wt.%, were photocured. The achieved copolymers were characterized for their physicochemical and mechanical properties, including their degree of conversion (DC), glass transition temperature (Tg), polymerization shrinkage (S), water contact angle (WCA), flexural modulus (E), flexural strength (FS), hardness (HB), water sorption (WS), and water leachability (WL). The antibacterial activity of the copolymers was characterized by the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The achieved results were compared to the properties of a typical dental copolymer comprising UDMA 40 wt.%, Bis-GMA 40 wt.%, and TEGDMA 20 wt.%. The introduction of QAUDMAs did not deteriorate physicochemical and mechanical properties. The WS and WL increased; however, they were still satisfactory. The copolymer comprising QA10+TMXDI showed a higher antibacterial effect than that comprising QA12+TMXDI and that of the reference copolymer.

The effect of quaternary ammonium polyethylenimine nanoparticles on bacterial adherence, cytotoxicity, and physical and mechanical properties of experimental dental composites.

A significant problem related to the functioning of resin-based composites for dental fillings is secondary or recurrent caries, which is the reason for the need for repeated treatment. The cross-linked quaternary ammonium polyethylenimine nanoparticles (QA-PEI-NPs) have been shown to be a promising antibacterial agent against different bacteria, including cariogenic ones. However, little is known about the properties of dental dimethacrylate polymer-based composites enriched with QA-PEI-NPs. This research was carried out on experimental composites based on bis-GMA/UDMA/TEGDMA matrix enriched with 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 (wt%) QA-PEI-NPs and reinforced with two glass fillers. The cured composites were tested for their adherence of Streptococcus Mutans bacteria, cell viability (MTT assay) with 48 h and 10-days extracts , degree of conversion (DC), water sorption (WSO), and solubility (WSL), water contact angle (CA), flexural modulus (E), flexural strength (FS), compressive strength (CS), and Vickers microhardness (HV). The investigated materials have shown a complete reduction in bacteria adherence and satisfactory biocompatibility. The QA-PEI-NPs additive has no effect on the DC, VH, and E values. QA-PEI-NPs increased the CA (a favorable change), the WSO and WSL (unfavorable changes) and decreased flexural strength, and compressive strength (unfavorable changes). The changes mentioned were insignificant and acceptable for most composites, excluding the highest antibacterial filler content. Probably the reason for the deterioration of some properties was low compatibility between filler particles and the matrix; therefore, it is worth extending the research by surface modification of QA-PEI-NPs to achieve the optimum performance characteristics.

Novel mechanically strong and antibacterial dimethacrylate copolymers based on quaternary ammonium urethane-dimethacrylate analogues.

OBJECTIVES: This study assumed that the quaternary ammonium urethane-dimethacrylate derivative (QAUDMA-m, where m was 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and corresponded to the number of carbon atoms in the N-alkyl substituent) can be used to achieve copolymers with high mechanical performance and antibacterial activity. METHODS: Photocured copolymers of bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) 40 wt%, QAUDMA-m 40 wt%, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) 20 wt% (BG:QAm:TEG) were characterized by the degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (E), hardness (HB), and antibacterial properties (the number of bacteria colonies adhered to copolymer surfaces and inhibition zone diameter (IZD)) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Reference copolymers of Bis-GMA, urethane-dimethacrylate monomer (UDMA), and TEGDMA (BG:TEG and BG:UD:TEG) were also characterized. RESULTS: The DC of BG:QAm:TEGs ranged from 0.59 to 0.68, HB from 83.84 to 153.91 MPa, FS from 50.81 to 74.47 MPa, and E from 1986.74 to 3716.68 MPa. The number of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria adhered to BG:QAm:TEG surfaces was from 0 (no bacteria observed) to 6.47 and 4.99 log(CFU/mL), respectively. IZD was from 10 and 5 mm (no inhibition zone) to 23 and 21 mm, respectively. Three copolymers: BG:QA8:TEG, BG:QA10:TEG, and BG:QA12:TEG had similar or better mechanical properties than the reference copolymers, but unlike them, they showed high antibacterial activity against both bacteria strains. SIGNIFICANCE: The obtained copolymers can offer a good, mechanically efficient, bioactive alternative to BG:TEG and BG:UD:TEG copolymers. The use of such materials can help to make progress in dental health care.

Composite and Polymeric Materials for Dentistry: Enhancing Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties.

Billions of people suffer from dental problems and that number is constantly increasing [...].

Physicochemical Properties of Novel Copolymers of Quaternary Ammonium UDMA Analogues, Bis-GMA, and TEGDMA.

This study aimed to elucidate the physicochemical properties of copolymers comprising 40 wt.% bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA), 40 wt.% quaternary ammonium urethane-dimethacrylate analogues (QAUDMA-m, where m corresponds to the number of carbon atoms in the N-alkyl substituent), and 20 wt.% triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) copolymers (BG:QAm:TEGs). The BG:QAm:TEG liquid monomer compositions and reference compositions (40 wt.% Bis-GMA, 40 wt.% urethane-dimethacrylate (UDMA), 20 wt.% TEGDMA (BG:UD:TEG) and 60 wt.% Bis-GMA, 40 wt.% TEGDMA (BG:TEG)) were characterized in terms of their refractive index (RI) and monomer glass transition temperature (Tgm) and then photocured. The resulting copolymers were characterized in terms of the polymer glass transition temperature (Tgp), experimental polymerization shrinkage (Se), water contact angle (WCA), water sorption (WS), and water solubility (SL). The prepared BG:QAm:TEG liquid monomer compositions had RI in the range 1.4997-1.5129, and Tgm in the range -52.22 to -42.12 °C. The BG:QAm:TEG copolymers had Tgp ranging from 42.21 to 50.81 °C, Se ranging from 5.08 to 6.40%, WCA ranging from 81.41 to 99.53°, WS ranging from 25.94 to 68.27 µg/mm3, and SL ranging from 5.15 to 5.58 µg/mm3. Almost all of the developed BG:QAm:TEGs fulfilled the requirements for dental materials (except BG:QA8:TEG and BG:QA10:TEG, whose WS values exceeded the 40 µg/mm3 limit).

Characterization of the Mechanical Properties, Water Sorption, and Solubility of Antibacterial Copolymers of Quaternary Ammonium Urethane-Dimethacrylates and Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate.

The use of dental composites based on dimethacrylates that have quaternary ammonium groups is a promising solution in the field of antibacterial restorative materials. This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties and behaviors in aqueous environments of a series of six copolymers (QA:TEG) comprising 60 wt.% quaternary ammonium urethane-dimethacrylate (QAUDMA) and 40 wt.% triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA); these copolymers are analogous to a common dental copolymer (BG:TEG), which comprises 60 wt.% bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) and 40 wt.% TEGDMA. Hardness (HB), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (E), water sorption (WS), and water solubility (SL) were assessed for this purpose. The pilot study of these copolymers showed that they have high antibacterial activity and good physicochemical properties. This paper revealed that QA:TEGs cannot replace BG:TEG due to their insufficient mechanical properties and poor behavior in water. However, the results can help to explain how QAUDMA-based materials work, and how their composition should be manipulated to produce the best performance. It was found that the longer the N-alkyl chain, the lower the HB, WS, and SL. The FS and E increased with the lengthening of the N-alkyl chain from eight to ten carbon atoms. Its further extension, to eighteen carbon atoms, caused a decrease in those parameters.

Effect of Candida albicans Suspension on the Mechanical Properties of Denture Base Acrylic Resin.

Yeast-like fungi such as Candida albicans (C. albicans) are the primary pathogenic microorganism in the oral cavity of denture wearers. The research available so far, conducted according to a protocol based on the exposure of specimens to a C. albicans suspension and their cutting with water cooling, shows that hard polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prosthetic materials are not only surface colonized, but also penetrated by microorganisms in a short time. This justifies the hypothesis that exposure to a suspension of the C. albicans strain causes the changes in mechanical properties due to surface colonization and/or penetration of the samples. In the current study, the chosen mechanical properties (flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, impact strength, ball indentation hardness, and surface Vickers hardness at 300 g load) of the PMMA denture base material Vertex RS (Vertex-Dental, The Netherlands) exposed for 30, 60, and 90 days to a suspension of C. albicans were investigated. The potential penetration of yeast was examined on the fractured surfaces (interior of specimens) to eliminate the risk of the contamination of samples during cutting. There was no influence on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, impact strength, or ball indentation hardness, but a significant decrease in surface hardness was registered. Microscopic observations did not confirm the penetration of C. albicans. On the surface, blastospores and pseudohyphae were observed in crystallized structures and in traces after grinding, which indicates that in clinical conditions, it is not penetration but the deterioration of surface quality, which may lead to the formation of microareas that are difficult to disinfect, causing rapid recolonization.

Analysis of Changes in the Tensile Bond Strenght of Soft Relining Material with Acrylic Denture Material.

Abrasions and pressure ulcers on the oral mucosa are most often caused by excessive pressure or incorrect fitting of the denture. The use of soft relining materials can eliminate pain sensations and improve patient comfort. The main functional feature of soft elastomeric materials is the ability to discharge loads from the tissues of the mucosa. (1) Background: The aim of the work was a comparative laboratory study of ten materials used for the soft lining of acrylic dentures. (2) Methods: There were materials based on acrylates (Vertex Soft, Villacryl Soft, Flexacryl Soft) and silicones (Sofreliner Tough Medium, Sofreliner Tough Medium, Ufi Gel SC, GC Reline Soft, Elite Soft Relining, Molloplast). Laboratory tests include the analysis of the tensile bond strength between the relining material and the acrylic plate of the prosthesis. The tests were conducted taking into account 90-day term aging in the distilled water environment based on the methodology presented in the European Standard ISO 10139-2. (3) Results: After three months of observation, the highest strength of the joint was characterized by Flexacryl Soft acrylic, for which the average value was 2.5 MPa. The lowest average value of 0.89 MPa was recorded for the GC Reline Soft silicone material. Over time, an increase in the value of the strength of the combination of acrylic materials and a decrease in these values in the case of silicone materials was observed. (4) Conclusion: Each of the tested silicone materials showed all three types of damage, from adhesive to mixed to cohesive. All acrylic-based materials showed an adhesive type of failure. Time did not affect the type of destruction.

Relationship between Clinical Symptoms and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Patients Utilizing the Piper MRI Diagnostic System.

Clinical problems of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the masticatory musculature are both included in the term temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The purpose of the present study was to examine the pathology of the joints of patients diagnosed with TMD utilizing the dedicated Piper MRI-based classification, and to link these pathologies with various symptoms while considering their severity. In total, 64 patients with clinical TMD were examined. Symptoms were recorded using a questionnaire. The clinical examination included diagnosing the occlusion in centric relation, which was followed by a standardized MRI. It was confirmed that, although they occurred in a high percentage in all classes, muscle pain and occlusal interference are not indicators of TMJ damage. The results indicate that the progressive degradation of the TMJ, represented by qualification to the higher Piper classes, is associated with an increase in TMJ pain only up to a certain stage. For the highest Piper classes, the joint pain occurs in a smaller percentage of patients, but sounds are more frequent.

Analysis of the Hardness of Soft Relining Materials for Removable Dentures.

The main functional feature of elastomeric soft linings materials is the ability to discharge loads in the tissues of the mucosa. As a result, there are fewer injuries to the mucosa and chewing ability increases. In addition, these prostheses are more comfortable in the patient's opinion. To obtain the equal distribution of forces on the muco-bone basis and to reduce the traumatizing effect of the denture plate for patients using full dentures, soft lining materials can be used. AIM OF THE STUDY: the aim of the work was a comparative laboratory study of ten materials used for soft lining of acrylic complete dentures. METHODOLOGY: Materials based on acrylates (Vertex Soft, Villacryl Soft, Flexacryl Soft) and on silicones (Sofreliner Tough Medium, Sofreliner Tough Medium, Ufi Gel SC, GC Reline Soft, Elite Soft Relining, Molloplast) were compared. Laboratory tests include tests of changes in Shore'a A hardness of soft lining material. The tests were conducted taking into account 90 day term aging in the distilled water environment based on the methodology presented in the European Standard ISO 10139-2. RESULTS: For most silicone materials, only small changes in hardness were found in the range of 0.7 (Ufi Gel SC) to 3.3 (Sofreliner Tough Medium) on the Shore A scale. The exception was GC Reline Soft, for which a marked increase in hardness was noted. All materials based on acrylates were characterized by successive increase in hardness over time. However, in the case of the Vertex Soft material, the increase in hardness was relatively small (5.5 ShA).

Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA Dental Composite Resins Enriched with Quaternary Ammonium Polyethylenimine Nanoparticles.

Modification of dental monomer compositions with antimicrobial agents must not cause deterioration of the structure, physicochemical, or mechanical properties of the resulting polymers. In this study, 0.5, 1, and 2 wt.% quaternary ammonium polyethylenimine nanoparticles (QA-PEI-NPs) were obtained and admixed with a Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (60:40) composition. Formulations were then photocured and tested for their degree of conversion (DC), polymerization shrinkage (S), glass transition temperature (Tg), water sorption (WS), solubility (SL), water contact angle (WCA), flexural modulus (E), flexural strength (σ), hardness (HB), and impact resistance (an). We found that the DC, S, Tg, WS, E, and HB were not negatively affected by the addition of QA-PEI-NPs. Changes in these values rarely reached statistical significance. On the other hand, the SL increased upon increasing the QA-PEI-NPs concentration, whereas σ and an decreased. These results were usually statistically significant. The WCA values increased slightly, but they remained within the range corresponding to hydrophilic surfaces. To conclude, the addition of 1 wt.% QA-PEI-NPs is suitable for applications in dental materials, as it ensures sufficient physicochemical and mechanical properties.

The Influence of Hybrid Surface Modification on the Selected Properties of CP Titanium Grade II Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting.

The human body is an extremely aggressive environment in terms of corrosion. Titanium and its alloys are one of the most popular biomaterials used for implant applications due to biocompatibility. However, every element introduced into the body is treated as a foreign body. The human body's immune response may, therefore, lead to implant rejection and the need for reoperation. For this purpose, it seems important to carry out surface modifications by applying coatings and inter alia by texturing to implants. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of surface treatment on the chosen properties of the pure titanium (Grade II) samples obtained by selective laser melting (SLM) processing. The samples were divided into five groups: Initial state (after polishing), after surface modification by the physical vapour deposition (PVD) method-CrN and TiN coatings were deposited on the surface of the tested material, and after laser texturing. The paper presents the results of the microscopic investigation, chemical and phase compositions, and physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the tested samples. Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that the hybrid surface modification shows significant effects on the properties of the pure titanium. The samples with the textured PVD-deposited TiN coatings were characterized by favorable physicochemical properties and were the highest performing in terms of pitting corrosion resistance.

Novel Urethane-Dimethacrylate Monomers and Compositions for Use as Matrices in Dental Restorative Materials.

In this study, novel urethane-dimethacrylate monomers were synthesized from 1,3-bis(1-isocyanato-1-methylethyl)benzene (MEBDI) and oligoethylene glycols monomethacrylates, containing one to three oxyethylene groups. They can potentially be utilized as matrices in dental restorative materials. The obtained monomers were used to prepare four new formulations. Two of them were solely composed of the MEBDI-based monomers. In a second pair, a monomer based on triethylene glycol monomethacrylate, used in 20 wt.%, was replaced with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), a reactive diluent typically used in dental materials. For comparison purposes, two formulations, using typical dental dimethacrylates (bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA), urethane-dimethacrylate (UDMA) and TEGDMA) were prepared. The monomers and mixtures were tested for the viscosity and density. The homopolymers and copolymers, obtained via photopolymerization, were tested for the degree of conversion, polymerization shrinkage, water sorption and solubility, hardness, flexural strength and modulus. The newly developed formulations achieved promising physico-chemical and mechanical characteristics so as to be suitable for applications as dental composite matrices. A combination of the MEBDI-based urethane-dimethacrylates with TEGDMA resulted in copolymers with a high degree of conversion, low polymerization shrinkage, low water sorption and water solubility, and good mechanical properties. These parameters showed an improvement in relation to currently used dental formulations.

Effect of Antibacterial Silver-Releasing Filler on the Physicochemical Properties of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Denture Base Material.

Colonization of polymeric dental prosthetic materials by yeast-like fungi and the association of these microorganisms with complications occurring during prosthetic treatment are important clinical problems. In previously presented research, submicron inorganic particles of silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate (S-P) were introduced into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) denture base material which allowed for obtaining the antimicrobial effect during a 90 day experiment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the flexural strength, impact strength, hardness, wear resistance, sorption, and solubility during three months of storage in distilled water. With increasing S-P concentration after 2 days of conditioning in distilled water, reduced values of flexural strength (107-72 MPa), impact strength (18.4-5.5 MPa) as well as enhanced solubility (0.95-1.49 µg/mm3) were registered, but they were at acceptable levels, and the sorption was stable. Favorable changes included increased hardness (198-238 MPa), flexural modulus (2.9-3.3 GPa), and decreased volume loss during wear test (2.9-0.2 mm3). The percentage changes of the analyzed properties during the 90 days of storage in distilled water were similar for all materials.

Relevance of Tongue Force on Mandibular Denture Stabilization during Mastication.

PURPOSE: Tongue activity, involving stereognosis of denture position, food bolus distribution, and direct denture pressing, can affect the stability of removable mandibular dentures. Knowledge of details of tongue activity in patients with removable dentures could contribute to the development of training methods to improve bilateral mastication. The hypothesis of this study was that tongue force improves mandibular complete denture stabilization on the atrophied foundation during mastication load transfer with a typical balanced occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Finite element analysis was used to assess the effect of tongue activity on denture stability, which was evaluated with objective biomechanical criteria. Denture movement (displacement), sliding distance on the mucosal surface, and pressure on the foundation during occlusal load transfer were considered with and without additional tongue forces. RESULTS: Tongue force in the canine zone of the balancing flange contributed to a slight reduction in the sliding distance. An adverse effect of tongue force on the working side and in the posterior zone of the balancing side was found. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of substantial improvement in stability with the addition of tongue forces, tongue action that contributes to a slight reduction in sliding may help reduce common frictional trauma resulting from cyclic movement during chewing. The beneficial impact of tongue force shown in earlier work under conditions of complete adherence of dentures to the foundation indicates a benefit of using adhesives.

Studies on the Curing Efficiency and Mechanical Properties of Bis-GMA and TEGDMA Nanocomposites Containing Silver Nanoparticles.

Bioactive dimethacrylate composites filled with silver nanoparticles (AgNP) might be used in medical applications, such as dental restorations and bone cements. The composition of bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) mixed in a 60/40 wt% ratio was filled from 25 to 5000 ppm of AgNP. An exponential increase in resin viscosity was observed with an increase in AgNP concentration. Curing was performed by way of photopolymerization, room temperature polymerization, and thermal polymerization. The results showed that the polymerization mode determines the degree of conversion (DC), which governs the ultimate mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Thermal polymerization resulted in a higher DC than photo- and room temperature polymerizations. The DC always decreased as AgNP content increased. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, hardness, and impact strength initially increased, as AgNP concentration increased, and then decreased at higher AgNP loadings. This turning point usually occurred when the DC dropped below 65% and moved toward higher AgNP concentrations, according to the following order of polymerization methods: photopolymerization < room temperature polymerization < thermal polymerization. Water sorption (WS) was also determined. Nanocomposites revealed an average decrease of 16% in WS with respect to the neat polymer. AgNP concentration did not significantly affect WS.