Technology and Health Care 22 (2014) 573–581 573

DOI 10.3233/THC-140832
IOS Press

Nanoindentation and surface roughness

profilometry of poly methyl methacrylate
denture base materials

Muhammad Sohail Zafara,∗ and Naseer Ahmedb

a College
of Dentistry, Taibah University, Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
b Department
of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Taibah University, Madinah Al
Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia

Received 24 April 2014

Accepted 19 May 2014

Abstract.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Polymers have a wide range of applications in dentistry. Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)
is the most popular for making orthodontic retainers, dentures as well as synthetic teeth. Prior to clinical applications, the
appliances are polished in the dental laboratory to achieve smooth, polished and comfortable surfaces. The objective of this
study was to analyze the surface roughness profiles of PMMA dentures polished using two different approaches. In addition,
the effects of ultrasonication and sandblasting were also evaluated on the fitting surface of PMMA dentures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an in vitro study using non-contact mode surface roughness profilometer and
nano-indenter. Samples were polished using two different techniques (Standard and modified). Both cold cure and heat cure
PMMA denture surfaces were evaluated for roughness, nanohardness and elastic modulus.
RESULTS: The absolute hardness was recorded 297.72 ± 19.04 MPa and 229.93 ± 18.53 MPa for heat cured PMMA and
cold cured PMMA. Manufactured acrylic teeth were harder (319.20 ± 12.58 MPa) with an elastic modulus of (4.34 ± 1.86
GPa). Modified polishing techniques (group 3) produced smoother surface.
CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that elastic moduli of acrylic tooth and heat cure PMMA is not very different. Surface
treatments such as ultrasonication or sandblasting do not affect the roughness profiles of denture fitting surfaces.

Keywords: Elastic modulus, fitting surface, polishing, sand blasting

1. Introduction

Polymers have a wide range of applications in dentistry. Among the dental polymers, poly methyl
methacrylate (PMMA) is the most popular for making dentures as well as synthetic teeth. Acrylic poly-
mers are also commonly used for dental applications such as relining, rebasing of dentures and repair
of dentures, temporary crowns and bridges [1]. The material is typically supplied in the form of pow-
der (poly methyl methacrylate with coloring additives and initiator) and liquid (methyl methacrylate
monomer with addition of cross linking agents and inhibitors). The PMMA is a clear polymer and

∗
Corresponding author: Muhammad Sohail Zafar, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi
Arabia. Tel.: 00966507544691; E-mail: drsohail_78@hotmail.com.

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