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Dentistry in the 19th century witnessed the development of a variety of denture base materials, the aim being to find a suitable substitute for the expensive and technique-sensitive noble metal denture bases. The century was marked by the introduction of natural and plastic materials for use as denture bases. Naturally-occurring materials, especially vulcanite, enjoyed great popularity for over 100 years. This article makes an attempt to summarize the historical 19th-century denture base materials.

The disadvantages of the use of vulcanite as a denture base material prompted the development of a wide range of thermoplastic polymers as alternatives to vulcanite. Heat-cured acrylic resin materials are the most widely used polymeric denture base materials at present, but research into further improvements in denture base materials continues.

The history of denture base materials and the accompanying development of impression techniques are traced from the earliest times to the present day (Part 1) as a prelude to a study (Part 2-4) of the various theories that have been advanced to explain retention of the base without mechanical support. These theories are critically reviewed and tabulated in chronological order. Some areas for further investigation are identified.

The history of denture base materials and the accompanying development of impression techniques are traced from the earliest times to the present day (Part 1) as a prelude to a study (Part 2-4) of the various theories that have been advanced to explain retention of the base without mechanical support. These theories are critically reviewed and tabulated in chronological order. Some areas for further investigation are identified.