Effect of Nanosilver on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Acrylic Base Complete Dentures

OBJECTIVE Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), widely used as a prosthodontic base, has many disadvantages, including a high thermal expansion coefficient and low thermal conductivity, a low elasticity coefficient, low impact strength and low resistance to fatigue. This study aimed to make an in vitro comparison of the thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and tensile strength of the acrylic base of complete dentures with those of acrylic reinforced with nanosilver. MATERIALS AND METHODS For this study, 36 specimens were prepared. The specimens were divided into three groups of 12; which were further divided into two subgroups of control (unmodified PMMA) and test (PMMA mixed with 5 weight% nanosilver).The results were analysed by Independent t-test. RESULTS This study showed that the mean thermal conductivity and compressive strength of PMMA reinforced with nanosilver were significantly higher than the unmodified PMMA (P<0.05), while the tensile strength decreased significantly after the incorporation of nanosilver (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Considering our results suggesting the favorable effect of silver nanoparticles on improving the thermal conductivity and compressive strength of PMMA, use of this material in the palatal area of maxillary acrylic resin dentures is recommended.