Some Aspects of the Chemistry and Physics of Dental Resins

The status of denture-base poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) has been reviewed, and in spite of the availability of mechanically superior injection-molded resins, it remains the material of choice. PMMA can be reinforced with fibers, the most recent being ultra-high-modulus polyethylene fibers. Various elastomer reinforced materials are also available. Alternatives to room-temperature polymerizing PMMA resins include higher methacrylates and epimine resins. High-modulus resins have been produced with Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) and tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, involving an anti-plasticizer function. Also reviewed are room-temperature polymerizing initiators, radio-opaque resins, and studies on polymerization shrinkage.