A comparative study of the mechanical properties of the light-cure and conventional denture base resins.

PURPOSE To compare the flexural, tensile and compressive strengths of three denture base materials, namely, Lucitone 550, Bio Carbo Resin, and Eclipse. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 180 specimens were prepared, with 60 specimens of each material tested. The dimensions of the specimens for each test were made according to the ADA specification. They were stored in distilled water bath at 37°C for 48 hours before testing. Each specimen was fixed on the table of the Instron universal testing machine. A force was applied at a cross-head speed of 5 mm/min until fracture occurred. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p=0.05) for the flexural, tensile, and compressive strengths among all groups. RESULTS The flexural and compressive strength values showed significant differences between the three denture base materials. However, there was no significant difference in tensile strength between Lucitone 550 and Bio CarboResin. CONCLUSION Eclipse showed significantly higher mechanical properties than polycarbonate reinforced and conventional heat cured acrylic resins, which suggests the use of Eclipse denture base materials as an alternative to traditional denture base resins.