ACRYLIC RESINS

COMPRESSION MOLDING TECHNIQUE

creation of mold space
T e completed dentures are sealed to the cast, placed in the dental flask, and invested with dental
gypsum
(A). Once the gypsum sets, the wax is eliminated by placing the flask in a hot water bath. T e
elimination of wax
(B) creates the mold. T e mold is flushed further with hot water and mild detergent to remove any
wax residue and cleaned. A tin foil substitute such as cold mold seal is applied on the investment
(C) and the cast; generally two coats in succession are applied. Now the flask is ready for packing
of the acrylic resin. T e monomer and polymer are dispensed in a clean porcelain jar with lid and
mixedthoroughly
(D). Once the mix reaches the dough stage, the material is kneaded with the help of wet cellophane
sheet
(E1). The material is then placed within the mold space and the flask reassembledT e mold is
overfilled with the acrylic, which is subsequently removed by trial closures
until minimum or no flash is eviden
(F1). A sharp scalpel is preferred to cut away the flash
(F2). After this, the flask is transferred to a hydraulic bench press which maintains the flask under
compression for about 30 minutes for bench curing
(G) to take place, during which the monomer completely dissolves the polymer. For the curing
to be completed, the flask is placed in controlled water bath

application of separating medium

to prevent the water from the gypsum from entering the resin, and the monomer from entering the
gypsum; this is done by coating the gypsum with a material that would form an impermeable layer
over it.
T e material applied is called separating medium or tin foil substitute.
 most widely used separating medium is sodium alginate (cold mold seal)
 foils of tin were used traditionally for separating the cast from resin. T e use of tin foils
became obsolete due to the disadvantages of being labor intensive and time consuming.
 Usually two coats of separating medium are painted on the gypsum cast as well as the
investing material that is left to dry; hence it is also called paint-on separating media.
 T e sodium alginate interacts with the calcium in gypsum to form a thin layer of insoluble
calcium alginate.
 T is forms a barrier against the acrylic flowing into the micropores in the gypsum, which,
once polymerized, becomes difficult to separate from thegypsum cast.
 separating medium prevents water left in the gypsum from entering the acrylic, which may
a ect the polymerization rate and optical and physical properties of the processed denture
base.
 Care should be exercised to prevent the separating medium from coming into contact with
the exposed surface of the acrylic denture teeth, as this would lead to poor bonding of
denture teeth to the acrylic denture base.
 Other materials used;
 1. T in sheets of tin foil
 2. Paint-on separating medium/tin foil substitutes
 a. Cellulose lacquers
 b. Soaps
 c. Starch
methods of manipulation
POLYMER TO MONOMER RATIO P/M
 ratio is usually 3–3.5/1by volume or 2.5/1 by weight.
 enables proper wetting of the polymer by the monomer
 reduced amount of liquid results in poor wetting of the polymer, producing a granular
texture of the finished denture.
 Adequate P/M ratio further limits the volumetric and linear shrinkage of polymerization.
Excess monomer results in higher level of polymerization shrinkage.
 Allowed to stand in a closed container (usually a porce-lain jar is used as this prevents
adherence of the acrylic to it), it undergoes the following physical changes/stages due to the
interaction of the monomer with the polyme
Physical changes during polymerisation
1. Sandy;no interation or little interation on molecular level
polymer remain unaltered
consistancy of mixture is grainy or coarse
2. stringy;monomer starts attack the surfce of the individual polymer beads and is absorbed into
beads
some polymer chains are dispersed inthe liquid monomer
they uncoil, thereby increases viscosity
charecterised by stringiness or stickiness when material is touched or drawn apart
3.dough like stage;
 on molecular level increased number of polymer chains enters the sln
 large quantity of swollen, but undissolved polymer also remains
 mass behave as a pliable dough
 no longer tacky and does not adhere to the surface of the moving jar or spactula
 chemical and physical ppts are ideal to compression moulding, hence the material should be
indroduced to the mold cavity during the later phases of the dough like stage
4.rubbery stage;
 rubbery bcz monomer is dissipated by evaporation and by further penetration into remaining
polymer beads
 the mass rebounds when compressed or streched
 mass no longer flows freely to assume the shape of its container
 it cannot be molded by conventional compression techniques
5. Stiff stage:
 T is stage ensues when the curing cycle is completed.
 T e resultant mass is a set, rigid, and stable structure
 this can be atributted to continued evaporation of untreated monomer
 mixture appears dry and resistant to mechanical deformation
Dough-Forming Time
The time required for the resin mixture to reach a dough-like stage is termed the dough-forming
time.
for denture base resins requires that this consistency be attained in less than 40 min from the start
of the mixing process.
Majority of denture base products reach a dough-like consistency in less than 10 min.
Working Time
Working time is defined as the time a denture base material remains in the dough-like stage. This
period is critical to the compression molding process. requires the dough to remain moldable for at
least 5 min.The ambient temperature affects the working time. Hence the working time of a denture
resin can be extended via refrigeration. A significant drawback associated with this technique is that
moisture may condense on the resin when it is removed from the refrigerator, which may degrade
the physical and esthetic properties of a processed resin. Moisture contamination can be avoided by
storing the resin in an airtight container. Following removal from the refrigerator, the container
should not be opened until it reaches room temperature.
Packing
 The placement and adaptation of denture base resin within the mold
cavity are termed packing.
 This process represents one of the most critical steps in denture base fabrication.
 It is essential that the mold cavity be properly filled at the time of polymerization.
 The placement of too much material yields a denture base that exhibits excessive thickness
and resultant malpositioning of prosthetic teeth.
 the use of too little material leads to noticeable denture base voids or porosity.
 Tominimize these difficulties, the mold cavity is packed in a well-defined sequence.
 In dough-like state, the resin is removed from its mixing container and rolled into a ropelike
form.
 Monomer is painted over the necks of the denture teeth to promote bonding to the denture
base.
 resin rope is bent into a horseshoe shape and placed intothe portion of the flask that houses
the prosthetic teeth
 thin polyethylene separator sheet is placed over the master cast, and the flask is
reassembled.
 The flask assembly is placed into a specially designed press and pressure is applied
incrementally .
 Slow application of pressure permits the resin dough to flow uniformly throughout the mold
space.
 Excess material is displaced eccentrically. The application of pressure is continued until the
denture flask is fully closed.
 Next the flask is opened and the polyethylene packing sheet is removed from the surface of
the resin with a rapid, continuous tug.
 Excess resin will be found on the relatively flat areas surrounding the mold cavity. This
excess resin is called flash. Using a sharp blade, the flash is carefully separated from the
body of resin that occupies the mold cavity Care is taken not to chip the gypsum surfaces of
the mold.
 Pieces of gypsum that have become dislodged must be removed so that they are not
incorporated into the processed denture base.
 A fresh polyethylene sheet is placed between the major portions of the flask, and the flask
assembly is once again placed in the press.
 Trial closures are repeated before the elapse of working time and until no flash is observed.
 When flash is no longer apparent, the mold is closed for the last time with no polyethylene
sheet interposed.
 The mold sections are properly aligned and placed in the flask press. Again, pressure is
incrementally applied.
 Following definitive closure, the flask is transferred to a flask carrier. The flask carrier
maintains pressure on the flask assembly during denture base processing.
Injection Molding Technique
 In addition to compression molding techniques, denture bases can be fabricated via
injection molding using specially designed flasks.
 One half of the flask is filled with freshly mixed dental stone, and the master cast is sealed
into this mixture. The dental stone is appropriately contoured and permitted toset.
 Subsequently, sprues or ingates are a ached to the wax denture base, which lead to an inlet
or pressure port ).
 The remaining half of the flask is positioned, and the investment process is completed.
 Wax elimination is performed and the flask is reassembled.
  Subsequently, the flask is placed into a carrier that maintains pressure on the assembly
during resin introduction and processing.
 Resin is mixed and injected into the mold cavity. The flask is then placed into a water bath
for polymerization of the denture base resin if a heat-curing resin is used.
 Upon completion, the denture is recovered, adjusted, finished, and polished.
 Denture bases fabricated by injection molding can provide slightly improved clinical
accuracy.
 Although tooth movement is minimized, resin viscosity must be lower than that used in
compression molding in order to facilitate injection.
 This requires a substantially smaller polymer-to-monomer ratio, and consequently results in
increased curing shrinkage. Hence, the palatal fit is compromised.
Polymerisation
To complete the polymerization reaction of heat-activated resin, the packed denture flask is heated
under controlled time and temperature. T e conventional source of heat is the water bath, though
heat source from microwaves have recently been used for curingPMMA.
Curing cycle
Curing or polymerization cycle denotes the systematic method of application of external energy in
the form of heat/light to enable curing of the PMMA resin mass following mixing of the monomer
and polymer. T e two stages involved in curing cycle for compression molding method are bench
and heat curing.
1. Bench curing: T is is done at room temperature for 30– 60 minutes after packing.T e purpose of
this procedure is equalization of pressure and uniform displacement of monomer, thereby ensuring a
better bond between the acrylic teeth and the denture base
2. Heat curing: T is is done by placing the packed dental flask in a boiling water bath. T ree curing
cycles may be followed; these include
(a) 74°C for 8 hours or
(b) 74°C for 8 hours followed by 100°C for 1 hour
(c) 74°C for 2 hours followed by100°C for 1 hour.
It is essential that the acrylic is fully cured as this reduces the level of excess residual irritant
monomer in the processed denture. T e boiling point of the monomer plays a critical role in
thepolymerization of heat-activated PMMA.
T e rate at which the material reaches its maximal temperature must be carefully controlled. T e
temperature of the boiling water is very close to the boiling temperature of the monomer (100.8°C).
Plunging the flask directly into boiling water during polymerization results in the vaporization of
the unreacted monomer. T is leads to gaseous porosity of the denture. Hence,it is necessary to
monitor the polymerization temperature.
Porosity has been reported to be associated with poor esthetics due to the uptake of stains and oral
fluids and may a ect the mechanical properties of PMMA. T is may in turn lead to the harboring of
oral microorganisms and subsequent oral infection such as candidiasis.

PHYSICAL PPTS OF DENTURE BASE RESINS

POROSITY
Porosity may be classified
I. Gaseous
II. Granular
III. Contraction
IV. Air inclusion
GASEOUS POROSITY
Volatilization of monomer causes gaseous porosity. T e evaporation temperature of the mono-
mer is 100°C. Further rise in temperature due to exothermic reaction of polymerization causes
evaporation of the monomer. Usually this happens in the bulkier portion of the denture, such as the
palatal portion of maxillary dentures or lingual portion of mandibular dentures. T e thicker areas are
further away from the flask, which prevents the conduction of heat; this along with the raised
temperature of the water bath raises the temperature of the resin, resulting in voids created by the
evaporation of the monomer. T ese can appear either on the surface or as subsurface porosities. A
slow temperature rise could substantially reduce occurrence of these porosities.
Granular porosity
Granular porosity typically appears as localized shrinkage. T is occurs due to improper mixing of
the powder and liquid or inadequate monomer. Improper mixing of the components results in
certain regions of the resin mix containing comparatively more monomer, which, during
polymerization, results in more polymerization shrinkage in those regions compared to that in
adjacent regions. Loss of monomer by evaporation while resin mix is left to stand until dough stage
is reached could produce a similar e ect. Granular porosity could also be caused if the resin mix is
dry due to adding too much powder while mixing it with the monomer.
Contraction porosity
Contraction porosity occurs due to inadequate pressure or insu cient material to completely fill the
mold space. During compression, molding resin flows (under pressure) into spaces created by
curing contraction and the resin would be insu cient to fill the entire mold space. Hence, excess
resin is important to maintain this pressure and provide the additional resin required during
polymerization. Insu cient compression pressure could lead to improper filling of the mold with
resin, producing large porosities.
Air inclusion porosity
Air inclusion porosity is typically seen with fluid resins, when air is incorporated during mixing
and filling the mold or due to improper venting of the mold. T is type of porosity could be averted
by careful manipulation of the material, avoiding incorporation of air, and proper spruing and
venting.
POLYMERISATION SHRINKAGE
 During the chemical reaction of polymerization, shrinkage takes place, which results in
change in dimension of the denture base.
 Clinically, this is seen as either a poorly fitting denture, or it may cause pain due to uneven
loading of the denture bearing mucosa.
 Moreover, occlusal inaccuracies may also occur.
 Types of polymerization shrinkage include volumetric shrinkage and inear shrinkage.
CAUSES
 When MMA monomer is polymerized to form PMMA, the density of the mass changes
from 0.94 g/cm 3 to 1.19 g/cm 3.
 T is change in density results in a volumetric shrinkage of 21%.
 When conventional heat-activated resin is mixed at the suggested powder-to-liquid ratio,
about one- third of the mass is liquid.
 T e remainder of the mass is prepolymerized PMMA.
 T erefore, the volumetric shrinkage exhibited by the polymerized mass should be
approximately 7%.
CRAZING
 stress relaxation can produce small surface flaws that may adversely a ffect the esthetic and
physical properties of a denture.
 Such flaws, or microcracks, is termed crazing.
 crazing is evidenced by small linear cracks that appear to originate at a denture’s surface.
 Crazing in a transparent resin imparts a “hazy” or “foggy” appearance. In a tinted resin,
crazing imparts a whitish appearance.
 In addition to esthetic effects, these surface cracks predispose a denture resin to fracture.
 Crazing may result from stress application or from partial dissolution by a solvent.
 Tensile stresses are most often responsible for crazing in denture base applications.
  Crazing generally begins at the surface of a resin and is oriented at right angles to tensile
forces.
 crazing can also be produced as a result of solvent action. Microcracks produced in this
manner are oriented more randomly.
 Solvent-induced crazing generally results from prolonged contact with liquids such as ethyl
alcohol.
 The development of improved acrylic resin teeth and cross-linked denture base resins has
resulted in a decreased incidence of denture base crazing.

Miscellaneous Resins and Techniques

Repair Resins
 denture bases sometimes fracture. In most instances, these fractures can be repaired using
compatible resins.
 Repair resins may be light-, heat-, or chemically activated. To accurately accomplish repair
of a fractured prosthesis, the clinician must realign and lute components together using an
adherent wax or cyanoacrylate glue.
 a repair cast is generated using dental gypsum.
 The denture is then removed from the cast and the luting medium is eliminated. Then, the
fracture surfaces are trimmed to provide sufficient room for repair material.
 The gypsum cast is coated with separating medium to prevent adherence of repair resin, and
the denture base sections are repositioned and affixed to the cast.
 Chemically activated resins are generally preferred over heat- and light-activated resins
despite the fact that chemically activated resins display lower transverse strengths.
 The principal advantage of hemically activated resins is that they can be polymerized at
room temperature.
 Heat- and light-activated repair materials must be placed in water baths and light chambers,
respectively.
 Heat generated by water baths and light chambers often causes stress release and distortion
of previously polymerized denture base segments.
 The following sequence is employed to accomplish denture base repair using a chemically
activated resin.
 A small amount of monomer is painted onto prepared surfaces of the denture base to soften
and swell the old resin and thereby facilitate bonding of the repair material.
 Increments of monomer and polymer are added to the repair area using a small sable-hair
brush or suitable substitute.
 A slight excess of material is placed at the repair site to account for polymerization
shrinkage.
 The assembly is placed in a pressure chamber and allowed to polymerize. The repair site is
then shaped, finished, and polished using conventional techniques.

Relining Resin Denture Bases

 For the contour of the ridge changes during and it is necessary to alter tissue surfaces of
prostheses to ensure proper fit.
 This can be achieved by selective grinding procedures. Tissue surfaces must be replaced by
relining or rebasing existing dentures.
 Relining involves replacement of the tissue surface of an existing denture, whereas rebasing
involves replacement of the entire denture base except for the denture teeth.
 In both instances an impression of the soft tissues is made using the existing denture as an
impression tray.
 A gypsum cast is generated in the impression, and the resultant assembly is invested in a
brass denture flask.
 Subsequently, the flask is opened and prepared for the introduction of resin.
 If the denture is to be relined, the impression material is removed from the denture.
 The tissue surface is cleaned to enhance bonding between the existing denture base and the
reline material.
 Next, an appropriate resin is introduced and shaped using a compression molding
technique.
 For relining, a low polymerization temperature is desirable to minimize distortion of the
remaining denture base.
 Hence, a chemically activated resin is usually chosen.
 The selected material is mixed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, placed
into the mold, compressed, and permitted to polymerize.
 Finally, the denture is recovered, finished, and polished.
 Several manufacturers offer chemically activated resins for relining dentures intraorally.
Unfortunately many of these materials generate enough heat to injure oral tissues.
 Relining can also be accomplished using resins that are activated by heat, light, or
microwave energy.
 In all of these instances, significant heat can be generated and distortion of the existing
denture base will be more likely.
 Some materials are manufactured for repair as well as relining purposes.

Short- and Long-Term Soft Denture Liners

 soft denture liner is to absorb some of the energy produced by masticatory impact. Serves
as a “shock absorber” between the occlusal surfaces of a denture and the underlying oral
tissues.
 The most commonly used liners are plasticized acrylic resins.
 These resins can be heat-activated or chemically activated and are based on addition
polymerization chemistry
 Chemically activated soft liners generally employ polymethyl methacrylate or polyethyl
methacrylate as principal structural components. supplied in powder form and subsequently
are mixed with liquids containing 60–80% of a plasticizer. The plasticizer is a large dibutyl
phthalate or an alcohol for short-term tissue conditioners.
 The distribution of large plasticizer molecules reduces entanglement of polymer chains,
thereby permi ing individual chains to “slip” past one another,permits changes in the shape
of the soft liner and provides a cushioning effect for the underlying tissues.
 the liquids used in such applications do not contain acrylic monomers..
 Unlike chemically activated soft liners, heat-activated materials generally are more durable
and can be considered long-term soft liners.
 These materials degrade over time and should not be considered as permanent.
 A number of heat-activated soft liners are supplied as powder-liquid systems.
 The powders are composed of acrylic resin polymers and copolymers, whereas the liquids
consist of appropriate acrylic monomers and plasticizers.
 When mixed, these materials form pliable resins exhibiting glass transition temperatures
(Tg) below mouth temperature.
 Plasticizers are not bound within the resin mass. Therefore, they may be “leached out” of
soft liners. As this occurs, soft liners become progressively more rigid. Consequently, it is
advantageous to use liners that are less prone to leaching phenomena.
 phthalate ester plasticizers mimic estrogenic hormones in the body after they are released
from the liner. Alternatives are trimellitates, aliphatic dibasic esters, phosphates, benzoates,
citrate esters, polymeric plasticizers, sulfonic acid, chloroparaffins, and sorbitol.
 As polymethyl methacrylate is replaced by higher methacrylates (e.g.ethyl, n-propyl, and n-
butyl), the Tg becomes progressively lower.
 Vinyl resins have also been used in soft liner applications.
 most successful materials for soft liner applications isi silicone rubbers, not dependent upon
leachable plasticizers; they retain their elastic properties for prolonged periods but lose
adhesion to underlying denture bases.
 Silicone rubbers may be chemically activated or heat-activated.
 Chemically activated silicones are supplied as two-component systems that polymerize via
condensation reactions.
 The denture base is relined to permit an acceptable thickness of the chosen material.
 adhesive is applied to the surface of the denture base to facilitate bonding.
 The resilient material is mixed, applied to the denture base via compression molding, and
permi ed to polymerize, the denture is recovered, finished, and polished.
 Heat-activated silicones are one-component systems supplied as pastes or gels. These
materials are applied and contoured using compression molding techniques.
 Heat-activated silicones can be applied to polymerized resin bases, or they can be
polymerized in conjunction with freshly mixed resins.
 To promote adhesion between silicone soft liners and rigid denture base materials, rubber-
polymethyl methacrylate cements are often used. These cements serve as adhesive
intermediates that bond to both soft liners and denture resins.
 silicone liner does not require an adhesive when it is cured together with an acrylic denture
base material is a silicone copolymer that contains components capable of bonding with
acrylic resins.
 the thickness of a soft liner is increased, the thickness of the accompanying denture base
must be decreased, and this results in decreased strength of the denture base.
 Furthermore, materials used in conjunction with soft liners (e.g. adhesives and monomers)
may cause partial dissolution of denture bases. This can result in fracture during clinical
service.
 long- and short-term silicone soft liners cannot be cleaned effectively.
 As a result patients often report disagreeable tastes and odors related to these materials.
 the liners themselves do not support mycotic growth, but such growth is supported by
debris accumulating in the pores of these materials.
 The most common fungal growth that develops on soft liners is Candida albicans.
 oxygenating and hypochlorite-type denture cleansers have been employed, these agents can
cause color change and significant damage to soft liners, especially the silicone materials.
 Mechanical cleaning of soft liners may lead to damage, but such debridement is often
necessary.
 If mechanical cleaning is undertaken, a soft brush should be used in conjunction with a mild
detergent solution or nonabrasive dentifrice.
 antimycotic agents have been incorporated into soft liners, the limited duration of
antimycotic activity is far from ideal.
polyphosphazene fluoroelastomer.
 polyphosphazene fluoroelastomer ;PNF, a polymer with -[–P=N–]– as the main chain, and
fluorocarbon side groups.
 PNF forms an interpenetrating network with di- and trifunctional cross-linking acrylics,
formulated with barium sulfate filler for radiopacity.
 The liner material is compression molded in the laboratory, polymerized in hot water, and
 bonded to new or existing acrylic denture bases.
 It has no plasticizers that can leach out of the liner surface.
 Therefore, the liner stays soft permanently, provides comfort by absorbing chewing forces
due to its high-energy damping, is nonporous to resist fungus growth
 easily adjusted to customize fit.
 Resin Impression Trays and Tray Materials
 Resin trays are often used in dental impression procedures. Unlike stock trays, resin
impression trays are fabricated to fit the arches of individual patients, hence known as
custom trays.
 custom trays are fabricated using light-activated and chemically activated resin systems.
 Light-activated materials eliminate methyl methacrylate exposure, but are more expensive
and require high-intensity light units for polymerization.
 Chemically activated resins are less expensive but have been associated with contact
dermatitis, particularly in laboratory personnel.
The steps in custom tray fabrication
 preliminary impression is made using a stock tray and an appropriate impression material.
In turn, a gypsum cast is generated.
 A suitable spacer
 is placed on the stone cast to provide the desired relief.
 Subsequently a separating medium is applied to the surface of the cast.
 Light-activated resins are supplied in sheet and gel forms. Sheet forms are preferred for
custom tray fabrication because of their favorable handling characteristics.
 Individual sheets are pliable and can be adapted to the associated casts and spacers with
relative ease.
 A handle is added to facilitate removal of the tray from the mouth and the entire assembly is
placed in a light chamber and the resin is polymerized.
 Chemically activated resins typically are polymethyl methacrylates and are supplied as
powder-liquid systems.
 The components are mixed to form a dough-like mass. The dough is then rolled into a sheet
approximately 2 mm thick, adapted to the diagnostic cast with a handle as above, and
allowed to polymerize.
 Upon completion of the fabrication process, both light-activated and chemically activated
custom trays are removed from the associated casts and mechanically trimmed.
 The peripheries are rounded to make sure that patients will not be harmed by sharp or
irregular edges. At this point, trays can be evaluated intraorally and refined as necessary.

Elastomeric Impression Materials

 group of synthetic polymer-based impression materials that are chemically cross-linked
when set. They can be stretched and yet rapidly recover to their original dimensions, like
vulcanized natural rubber when the applied stress is released.
 They are supplied in two components, a base paste and a catalyst paste (or liquid) that are
mixed before making impressions.
 They are often formulated in several consistencies, including extra low, low, medium,
heavy, and pu y, in increasing order of filler content. Extra-low and pu y forms are available
only for condensation and addition silicones.
 Polysulfide is provided only in light-body and heavy-body consistencies.
 There is no heavy-body product for condensation silicone.
 Pigments are added to give each material a distinct color.
 Hydrocolloids, which are discussed in later sections, are elastic impression materials but
they are not categorized as elastomers.
 Chemically, there are three elastomers based on the backbone of polymer chains:
1. Polysulfide
 A polysulfide polymer that contains a multifunctional mercaptan (-SH) called a
polysulfide polymer
 A suitable filler (such as lithopone or titanium dioxide) to provide the required
strength
 A plasticizer (such as dibutyl phthalate) to confer the appropriate viscosity to the
paste, and a small quantity of sulfur, approximately 0.5%, as an accelerator.
 The catalyst (or accelerator) paste contains lead dioxide, filler, and plasticizer as in
the base paste, and oleic or stearic acid as a retarder to control the rate of the se ing
reaction.
 Lead dioxide gives polysulfide impression material its characteristic brown color.
 Each paste is supplied in a dispensing tube with appropriately sized nozzle diameters
at the tip so that equal lengths of each paste are extruded from each tube to provide
the correct ratio of polymer to cross-linking agent.
 Since the composition of the material in the tube is balanced with that of the
accelerator, the matched tubes supplied by the manufacturer should always be used.
 The reaction starts at the beginning of mixing and reaches its maximum rate soon
after spatulation is complete
 At this stage, a resilient network starts to form. During the final set, a material of
adequate elasticity and strength is formed that can be removed past undercuts quite
readily. Moisture and temperature have a significant effect on the course of the
reaction.
 In particular, hot and humid conditions will accelerate the setting of polysulfide
impression material.
 The reaction yields water as a by-product. Loss of this small molecule from the set
material has a significant effect on the dimensional stability of the impression.
 Polymerization of polysulfide impression material.
 SH groups interact with oxygen released from lead dioxide (left).
 Completion of the condensation reaction results in water as a by-product (right).
 Pendant −SH is for cross-linking and terminal −SH is for chain lengthening of the polymer.
 Condensation Silicone
 The materials are supplied as a base paste and a low-viscosity liquid catalyst (or paste
catalyst), a two-paste system, or a two-putty system.
 The putty can be used as the tray material in conjunction with a low-viscosity silicone, that
is referred to as the putty-wash technique.
 The base paste consists of α-ω-hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane
 The curing of this material involves a reaction of tri- and tetra-functional alkyl silicates in
the presence of stannous octoate as a catalyst.
 The material sets by cross-linking between terminal groups of the silicone polymers and the
alkyl silicate to form a three-dimensional network
 Ethyl alcohol is a by-product of the condensation se ing reaction.
 Its subsequent evaporation accounts for much of the contraction that takes place in the se
ing impression.
Addition Silicone
 This material is often called a polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) or vinyl polysiloxane (VPS)
impression material.
 the addition silicone is based on addition polymerization between divinylpolysiloxane and
polymethylhydrosiloxane with a platinum salt as the catalyst .
 The base paste contains polymethylhydrosiloxane, as well as divinylpolysiloxane.
 The catalyst (or accelerator) paste contains divinylpolysiloxane and a platinum salt.
 The platinum salt and polymethylhydrosiloxane are separated before mixing.
 Both pastes contain fillers.Polymerization of addition silicone. Hydrogen atoms along the
backbone structure of the vinyl silicone chain move to the vinyl groups during addition
polymerization (top).
 Final structure after the platinum salt has initiated the addition polymerization reaction
(bottom).
 The zigzag line at the other end of divinylpolysiloxane represents repeating units of
dimethylsiloxane with a vinyl terminal.
 No reaction by-products are formed as long as the correct proportions of
divinylpolysiloxane and polymethylhydrosiloxane are used and there are no impurities.
 However, the residual polymethylhydrosiloxane in the material can lead to a secondary
reaction with each other or with moisture, to produce hydrogen gas.
 Technically, hydrogen gas is a reaction by-product that does not a ffect the dimensional
stability of the impression.
 Nonetheless, the hydrogen gas evolved can result in pinpoint voids in the gypsum casts
poured soon after removal of the impression from the mouth.
 palladium, as a scavenger for the released hydrogen gas.
 The impression should be left overnight if epoxy will be used for pouring models.
 One of the disadvantages of the silicone impression materials (including condensation
silicones) is their inherent hydrophobic nature.
 A nonionic surfactant can be added to the paste in the manufacturing process to
render a degree of hydrophilicity to the surface of the material.
 This surfactant migrates toward the surface of the impression material and has
its hydrophilic segment oriented toward the surface—a phenomenon that makes the surface
more we able by water.
 These impression materials still require a dry field for impression making.
 Pouring the set impression with a gypsum-forming mixture is facilitated because the wet
stone has a greater affinity for the hydrophilic surface.
 Sulfur contamination from natural latex gloves inhibits the se ing of addition silicone. Some
vinyl gloves may have the same effect because of the sulfur-containing stabilizer used in
the manufacturing process.
 The contamination is so pervasive that touching the tooth with latex gloves before seating
the impression can inhibit the se ing of the critical surface next to the tooth.
 Medium-body addition silicone has also been formulated for making impressions for
diagnostic purposes, as a substitute for alginate impression material (discussed later).
 The advantage of these so-called alginate substitutes is the ability to make multiple,
accurate diagnostic casts from one impression.
 Laboratory studies have reported that they exhibited be er detail reproduction and less
variability in linear dimensional change than irreversible hydrocolloid.
Polyether
 There are two types of polyether impression materials. The first is based on the ring-
opening polymerization of aziridine rings, which are at the end of branched polyether
molecules.
 The main chain is probably a copolymer of ethylene oxide and tetrahydrofuran.
 Cross-linking and se ing are promoted by an initiator and an aromatic sulfonate ester ,
where R is an alkyl group. This produces cross-linking by cationic polymerization via the
imine end groups.
 The material is supplied as two pastes. The base paste contains the polyether polymer,
colloidal silica as filler, and a plasticizer such as glycol ether or phthalate.
 The accelerator paste contains an alkyl-aromatic sulfonate in addition to the filler and
plasticizer.
 The ether-dominated polymer backbones make this group of materials the most hydrophilic
of all elastomeric impression materials.
 The second type is based on an acid-catalyzed condensation polymerization of polyether
prepolymer with alkoxysilane terminal groups.
 The mechanism is similar to that observed in condensation silicones having low-molecular-
weight alcohols as by-products.
 This material is often called a hybrid. Since the ether-linkages constitute the main
component of the polymer chains, these materials behave very much like the first type of
polyether impression material
Denture Cleansers
 Patients use a wide variety of agents for cleaning artificial dentures. These include
dentifrices, proprietary denture cleansers, mild detergents, household cleansers, bleaches,
and vinegar.
 The most common commercial products are based upon immersion techniques.
 These cleansers are marketed in powder and tablet forms containing alkaline compounds,
detergents, sodium perborate, and flavoring agents.
 Dissolved in water, sodium perborate decomposes to form an alkaline peroxide solution.
 This solution subsequently releases oxygen, which loosens debris via mechanical means.
 Household bleaches (hypochlorites) also are used in denture cleaning applications. Dilute
bleach solutions can be used to remove certain types of stains.
 prolonged use of bleach-containing solutions can remove color from denture base and
relining materials.
 Bleaches and bleach solutions should not be used for cleaning metal prostheses such as
removable partial denture frameworks.
 These solutions produce significant darkening of base metals and can damage the
serviceability of affected prostheses irreparably.
 The use of brushes and abrasive cleansers can produce a range of e ffects on resin surfaces.
Toothbrushes alone produce minimal wear of resin surfaces.
 Toothbrushes in conjunction with most commercial dentifrices, mild detergents, and soaps
also appear to be relatively nondestructive.
 Conversely, household cleansers, such as kitchen and bathroom abrasives, are definitely
contraindicated.
 Prolonged use of such cleansers may cause noticeable wear of resin surfaces and adversely
affect the function andesthetics of these prostheses.

Infection-Control Procedures
 Care should be taken to prevent microbial and viral cross-contamination between patients
and dental personnel, including personnel in the dental laboratory.
 New appliances should be disinfected before leaving the dental laboratory. Existing
prostheses should be disinfected before entering the laboratory and after completion of
laboratory procedures.
 All materials used for finishing and polishing should be handled according to established
infection-control guidelines.
Items such as rag wheels shouldbe autoclaved, and materials such as pumice should be
used according to unit-dose recommendations.

Allergic Reactions
 Possible toxic or allergic reactions to polymethyl methacrylate have long been postulated.
Reactions can occur following contact with the polymers, residual monomers, benzoyl
peroxide, hydroquinone inhibitor, pigments, or a reaction product between some component
of the denture base and its environment.
 Clinical experience indicates that true allergic reactions to acrylic resins seldom occur in the
oral cavity. Irritation is slightly more common and is related to residual monomer. Irritation
 reactions are relatively rare, since the residual monomer content of a properly processed
denture is less than 1%.
 Furthermore, surface monomer is completely eliminated following storage in water for 17
hours.
 Reactions to residual monomer should occur shortly after prosthesis delivery.
 However, the majority of patients reporting sore mouth due to denture wear have worn the
offending prostheses for months or even years.
 Clinical evaluation of these cases indicates that tissue irritation iscommonly related to 24h
denture wearing and fungus overgrowth under the denture, other unhygienic conditions, or
trauma caused by poorly fi ing denture bases.
 Repeated or prolonged contact with monomer can also result in contact dermatitis. This
condition is most commonly experienced by personnel involved in the manipulation of
denture resins.
 Hence dental personnel should refrain from handling such materials with bare hands.
 The high concentration of monomer in freshly mixed resins may produce local irritation and
serious sensitization of the fingers.
 Finally, it should be noted that inhalation of monomer vapor may be detrimental. Therefore,
the use of monomer should be restricted to well-ventilated areas.

Toxicology
 There is no evidence that commonly used dental resins produce systemic toxic e ffects in
humans.
 the amount of residual monomer in processed polymethyl methacrylate is extremely low.
 To enter the circulatory system, residual monomer must pass through the oral mucosa and
underlying tissues.
 These structures function as barriers that significantly diminish the volume of monomer
reaching the bloodstream.
 Residual monomer that does reach the bloodstream is rapidly hydrolyzed to methacrylic
acid and excreted.
 It is estimated that the half-life of methyl methacrylate in circulating blood is 20–40
minutes.
 Metal oxide (cadmium/selenium) red pigments were used for many years to color denture
base resins.
 Although toxic in all concentrations, the pigments are locked within the denture base
polymer network and used in very small concentrations.
 Nevertheless, most manufacturers have switched to organic pigment systems, i.e.
cromophtal red BRN, to avoid such effects.