TITLE:
An Alternative Method for Incorporating Fiber Meshes in Complete Upper Dentures
AUTHORS:
Anthony Prombonas, Efthymia Sklavou, Alexandra Ioannidou, Eleni Kosma, Katerina Orfanou
KEYWORDS:
Complete Upper Dentures, Fibers Reinforcement, Fiber Mesh
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering,
Vol.16 No.3,
March
14,
2023
ABSTRACT: The most commonly used material for constructing complete dentures is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). However, the strength characteristics of PMMA, such as impact strength and fatigue strength, are poor, and fracturing of PMMA dentures is a common problem in prosthodontic practice. Reinforcing PMMA with various materials, such as carbon fibers, glass fibers (fiberglass), and ultrahigh modulus polyethylene fibers, has been suggested to strengthen the denture-base material. A common problem encountered when packing the resin on these specimens is fiber slippage beyond the denture edges. The present study proposes an alternative method of incorporating fiber meshes into complete dentures, whereby a thin filament of self-polymerizing resin at the perimeter of the fiber mesh is produced, giving a clear and stable shape to the mesh that fits the upper jaw cast. During placement of the shaped mesh on the cast, a positive-negative relationship is created between the mesh and cast, which immobilizes the mesh during the incorporation process.