Abstract
Radiopaque glassβresin composites were made for evaluation as denture base materials. The addition of silaneβtreated, radiopaque, powdered glass to clear poly(methyl methacrylate) resulted in composites that had greater optical translucency than commercially available pink denture base resins. These formulations could be pigmented and opacified to produce materials that simulated oral soft tissues in color and translucency.
Other composites were made using various monomer, polymer and glass combinations. Those made from mixes of BISβGMA, methyl methacrylate, poly(methyl methacrylate), and radiopaque glass had excellent translucency but handling characteristics were less than ideal.
Removal of very small glass particles (less than a few ΞΌm) appeared to improve optical translucency.
A radiographic survey of 12 specimens that contained from 29 to 57% of the radiopaque glass, indicated that all had sufficient radiopacity to aid in localization of swallowed or aspirated dentures made from such materials.
Finishing procedures on composite specimens were more difficult and timeconsuming and did not produce surfaces as smooth as those obtained on poly(methyl methacrylate). The finished surfaces felt smooth to the tongue but might stain more easily in the mouth.