Flexural properties of a light-cure and a self-cure denture base materials compared to conventional alternatives

PURPOSE. A new light curing urethane dimethacrylate and a cold curing resin with simpler and faster laboratory procedures may have even improved flexural properties. This study investigated the 3-point flexural strengths and flexural moduli of two alternate base materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A cold curing resin (Weropress) and a light curing urethane dimethacrylate base material (Eclipse). Along with Eclipse and Weropress, a high impact resin (Lucitone199) and three conventional base materials (QC 20, Meliodent and Paladent 20) were tested. A 3-point bending test was used to determine the flexural strengths and flexural moduli. The mean displacement, maximum load, flexural modulus and flexural strength values and standard deviations for each group were analyzed by means of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (with mean difference significant at the 0.05 level). Post hoc analyses (Scheffe test) were carried out to determine the differences between the groups at a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS. Flexural strength, displacement and force maximum load values of Eclipse were significantly different from other base materials. Displacement values of QC 20 were significantly different from Lucitone 199 and Weropress. CONCLUSION. The flexural properties and simpler processing technique of Eclipse system presents an advantageous alternative to conventional base resins and Weropress offers another simple laboratory technique. [J Adv Prosthodont 2011;3:136-9]