Evaluation of the properties of a new pour denture base material utilizing a modified technique and initiator system

Abstract

A new denture base system, Provac, has been developed for complete and partial dentures, and for relining. The Provac material is methyl methacrylate, which cures with the aid of barbituric acid. In this study the physical and mechanical properties of the new resin were investigated and compared with those of a conventional autopolymerizing material (Croform) and a conventional heat polymerizing material (Trevalon). It was found that the dimensional accuracy of Provac was better than that of the conventional heat-curing material, Trevalon, and the denture was finished more easily and quickly. The physical and mechanical properties of Provac resin were found to be similar to those of the other two materials, and conformed to the International Specifications for denture base materials. The residual monomer levels in Provac material were always higher than the minimal obtainable values associated with conventional heat-cured materials when these were polymerized with a terminal boil during the curing cycle.