A Review of Methods Used to Reinforce Polymethyl Methacrylate Resin

Various methods to reinforce acrylic denture base material have been used to repair fractures in complete dentures. Metal wires and plates have been tested as reinforcement of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin. The contributions of the studies conducted on this biphase composite system are discussed in this review article. The literature has reported that even thin metal wires incorporated into the PMMA matrix increased the transverse strength of the PMMA construction. Metal mesh inserted into PMMA resin had negligible effects on the transverse strength of the restoration. Macroscopic retention of the metal strengtheners to the PMMA had only a minor effect on the strength in contrast to microscopic retention, which showed a more marked effect. Chemical bonding between the PMMA and metal reinforcer enhanced the strength of the prosthesis with some exceptions.