Artificial tooth and polymer-base bond in removable dentures: the influence of pre-treatment on technological parameters to the bond's strength Vez med umetnim zobom in polimerno osnovo v snemljivi zobni protezi: vpliv tehnoloških parametrov pred-obdelave na trdnost nastale vezi Martin Pavlin1, Rebeka Rudolf2, Vjekoslav Jerolimov3 'Private dental practice, Turnerjeva ulica 33, SI-2000, Maribor, Slovenia; E-mail: martin.pavlin@triera.net 2University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Smetanova ulica 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia; E-mail: rebeka.rudolf@uni-mb.si 3University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics, Gunduliceva 5, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-mail: jerolimov@sfzg.hr Received: November 9, 2007 Accepted: May 18, 2008 Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the artificial tooth and polymerbase bond, and to measure any formed gaps between tooth and base. Acrylic models were classified into four groups depending on the type of surface pre-treatment. A pre-treatment of the surface combining mechanical and chemical procedures led to the highest bond strength between the acrylic tooth and the denture-base. The fore-mentioned pre-treatment had a significant influence on gap formation with an average value of 68.250 pm, which is 70 % of the gap for the untreated samples. Furthermore, the measured compressive strength was above 6000 N/mm2, yet only 3200 N/mm2 on the untreated samples. Izvleček: Študija predstavlja raziskavo nastale vezi med umetnim zobom in polimerno osnovo z meritvijo nastale špranje med zobom in osnovo. Za ta namen so bili pripravljeni akrilatni modeli, ki smo jih uvrstili v štiri skupine in sicer v odvisnosti od vrste površinske pred-obdelave. Površinska pred-obdelava, ki je predstavljala kombinacijo mehanske in kemijske, omogoča nastanek trdne vezi med akrilnim zobom in polimerno osnovo. Takšna pred-obdelava ima velik vpliv na nastanek špranje s povprečno vrednostjo 68,250 pm, kar predstavlja le 70 % velikosti špranje, ki je nastala pri neobdelanem vzorcu. Še več, rezultati meritev tlačne trdnosti za vzorec s pred-obdelavo kažejo vrednosti nad 6000 N/mm2, medtem ko smo pri neobdelanih vzorcih izmerili le 3200 N/mm2. Key words: bond, acrylic tooth, polymer base, technological parameters Ključne besede: vez, akrilni zob, polimerna osnova, tehnološki parametri Introduction The acrylic resin is the most commonly used artificial resin in dentistry. Most mobile dentures over the last 60 years had been created by conventional polymerization. Acrylic materials and the process of polymerization have been modified in the last 10 years, which has consequently resulted in better physical-chemical properties[1]. This has been achieved by adding certain chemical substances, and changing the process of polymerization by adding light and microtalamic energy[2]. Significant research work has shown that almost 30 % of all repairs are due to mistakes during tooth-denture base bonding[3,4]. Consequently, this study focused on the evaluation of various treatments' influences on bonding quality between the denture-base and the artificial tooth, the measurement of gaps between the acrylic tooth and the denture base using an optical or electronic microscope, and the determination of mechanical properties by compressive testing. Materials and methods Four groups containing 12 acrylic models with the same dimensions were formed for evaluating the bonds between acrylic teeth and a denture-base (Gnathostar, Pro Base HOT, Ivoclar-Vivadent). The base surfaces of the acrylic teeth were prepared in four different ways as described later. The models were inserted in a brazen mould filled with gypsum. The mould was closed and placed into boiling water after the gypsum had hardened, in order to melt the wax. Then the mould was opened, the elastomer-base removed, and the remains of the wax cleaned. Finally, 12 special acrylic models (3 for each group) were created for compressive testing with internal dimensions of 20 mm x 9 mm. Surface Conditioning Methods Sample A, the surface was untreated and cleaned with 70 % ethyl alcohol (10 seconds), degreased and placed above boiling water (10 seconds). The cleaned tooth was placed on an elastomer-base. Sample B, the surface coming into contact with the acrylic base was mechanically prepared using a 3M-8691C paper grinder (3M Dental, Pithiviers, France). This paper grinder was pulled over the contact surface twice. Sample C, the surface was cleaned and moistened using monomer. The model was then left to dry at room temperature. The procedure was repeated after drying. Sample D, the surface coming into contact with the acrylic base was mechanically prepared, cleaned and moistened using monomer (20 seconds). The model was then left to dry at room temperature. The procedure was repeated after drying. A heat-polymerized cyclic resin (Pro Base HOT, Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) was prepared and polymerized according to the manufacturer's instructions. The mixed acrilate mixture was left in a closed container at room temperature (23 °C) for 8-10 minutes, and then applied in the mould. The mould was then exposed to a pressure of 2*107 Pa (200 bar). The samples were thermally polymerized (at 65-70 °C for the first 45 minutes and at 100 °C for the next 45 minutes). The mould was left for 30 minutes at room temperature and was then completely cooled in cold water. The completely cooled mould was opened and the models extracted, cleaned and polished. Specimens' preparation The specimens (Figure 1) for microscopic analysis were prepared using an ISOMET slow rotation saw, abrasive diamond paste (3-9 pm), and special paper grinders. Alcohol and ultrasound were then used for cleaning. The prepared models were analysed using a light-inverse NIKON Epiphot 300 microscope. The selected models were also analysed with a (SEM) - Sirion 400 NC scanning microscope for visualisation of the microstructure. The size of each gap was measured on six different spots. Compressive testing Pressure testing was performed on a Zwick/ Roell Z010 pressure machine. The com-pressive tests were supposed to establish any influence of the surface preparation procedure and resulting border surface on the point tooth - denture-base regarding Figure 1. Acrylic model after its removal from the mould, prepared for microscoping Slika 1. Akrilni model po odlitju, pripravljen za mikroskopijo pressure from chewing forces that dental prostheses pass-on to the jaw segment during their function in the oral cavity. The problem in this case was specific, since molar teeth were chosen for testing, which are only subjected to direct pressure forces. Special supports were created so that the models could be fixed into the machine, and the supports were placed in such a way as to simulate the occlusal relationship between the upper and the lower teeth in the mouth (Figure 2). Results Gap-width and compressive strength depend on the type of mechanical-chemical pre-treatment. The results for measured gap width (Figure 3) show (A (x = 88-105 pm) > B = C (x = 68-86 pm) >D (39-66 pm)) justify the hypothesis on homogenous variances (Test of Homogeneity of Variances, ANOVA) (Table 1 and 2). It confirms that there are statistically significant differences between all four sample groups. In addition, the compressive test results show differences between samples A(3200 N/mm2)