PMMA-based materials for the fabrication of dental prosthesis
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Denture base materials are used to form the foundation of removable dental prosthesis, including complete and partial dentures. Primarily, denture bases are used to provide stability and structural support for the artificial teeth, but additionally they need to match the patient’s natural gums–and retain structural integrity while patients carry out their day-to-day activities with minimal interruption.
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is one of the most extensively used resins to fabricate dentures.
Acrylic resin, based on PMMA chemistry, is a thermoplastic material that can be easily moulded and processed using various techniques, such as heat-curing, cold-curing and microwave curing. These versatile and quick processing methods make PMMA a popular choice throughout the dental industry.
In terms of aesthetics, pigmented PMMA closely mimics the appearance of natural gingiva and is available in various shades to match a wide range of patient gingival tones (Gad, Fouda, Al-Harbi, & Näpänkangas, 2018). Moreover, PMMA is biocompatible and has suitable mechanical properties to ensure patient comfort and safety. (Shah, Bansal, & Logani, 2015).
The combination of PMMA- based powder and liquids forms a workable dough that can be easily shaped and placed in a mould prior to curing. This makes it more user friendly for dental technicians, allowing them to easily achieve a customised and comfortable fit for their patients.
The chemistry of the polymer powder can be honed to suit different handling characteristics. For example, it could be more suitable for hotter regions and can take into account how a dental lab manufactures dentures (one at a time, or multiple).
PMMA can be coloured to closely mimic the appearance of natural gums, making it an aesthetically pleasing choice for dentures. Its translucency allows the underlying tissue colour to show through, creating a more natural appearance.
PMMA is compatible with a wide range of pigments enabling dentures to be made in a variety of shades, best suited to the patient’s natural gum colour for a more realistic and visually appealing result.
PMMA is biocompatible, which means it is unlikely to cause adverse reactions or irritate the oral tissues. This is an essential feature for any dental material that is in close contact with the patient’s oral mucosa.
PMMA is a durable and hard-wearing material that can withstand the forces of mastication and resist wear and tear over time. This makes it a practical choice for long-term use in dental prostheses.
Makevale is a global company specialising in the research, development, and manufacturing of high-quality acrylic polymers and copolymers for various industries, including dental materials. We produce a range of denture base materials, particularly focusing on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based products.
