Evaluation of the bond strength of heat-polymerized and auto-polymerized silicone-based soft lining materials to injection-molded, milled, and 3D-printed denture base resins

Abstract

Although modern dentistry aims to preserve natural teeth, the in crease in life expectancy and the elderly population means that tooth loss will likely occur in the future [1]. Implant-supported complete dentures have been reported as a more effective treatment option for edentulous patients [2,3]. However, complete dentures remain effective due to anatomical, physiological, and financial constraints [4]. Since the first use of complete dentures, the aim has been to reduce errors during the production process and improve the base materials' properties [5]. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is today's most widely used denture base material due to its many positive properties, such as biocompati bility, ease of processing, low cost, and low water solubility [6,7]. Denture bases can be fabricated conventionally using compression or injection molding techniques or digitally using subtractive or additive manufacturing techniques [8,9]. The introduction and development of computer-aided technology in the production of complete dentures is expected to overcome the diffi culties in traditional complete denture production methods and facili tate the production process [10–12]. Studies have shown that digital complete dentures offer several advantages over conventionally manu factured complete dentures, such as high hydrophilicity, less residual monomer, less microporosity, high color stability, and high adaptability due to the absence of polymerization shrinkage [13–22]. Digital com plete dentures offer significant advantages for clinicians and patients, including reduced clinical appointment time and fewer visits [23,24]. Conventional methods for producing dentures typically require at least five appointments, whereas digital methods can be achieved in just two or three visits, depending on the system used [25]. Digital systems can produce a new prosthesis using archived data without needing clinic appointments in case of a broken or lost prosthesis.