Effect of pre-processing methods on bond strength between acrylic resin teeth and acrylic denture base resin

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of various pre-processing methods on the bond strength between resin and denture teeth. Backgrounds: Debonding of acrylic resin teeth from denture base material is a problem for patients wearing complete dentures. Materials and Methods: Four experimental groups (n = 30) were investigated by subjecting tooth-resin bonding to tensile loading. Specimens were prepared and tested according to the methods of the International Standards Organization (ISO 22112: 2005) using a special assembly. Four pre-processing surface treatments of teeth were applied: (i) ST1, no treatment applied (control); (ii) ST2, wax solvent (Dewaks, Faber Kimya & Ilac,, Turkey); (iii) ST3, boiling water followed by conditioning with methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer (Meliodent, Bayer Dental, Germany); (iv) ST4, boiling water followed by wax solvent agent and finally MMA monomer application. Bond strength test was performed using a universal testing machine. Results: All the strength values of the test groups were within clinically acceptable limits. The lowest values were from the ST1 group and the highest values were in the ST4 group. Conclusions: Wax elimination methods affected bonding strength. Application of wax solvent and MMA monomer to the ridge lap surfaces of the teeth gave the best results. In clinical practice, this application procedure may decrease the bonding failure of denture teeth.