EFFECT OF GLASS FIBERS OR METALLIC FILLER ON THE LINEAR DIMENSIONAL CHANGES AND WATER SORPTION OF ACRYLIC RESIN DENTURE BASE MATERIAL

The aim of this study was to study the effect of reinforcement of acrylic resin denture base polymer with chopped glass fibers and silver filler on the linear dimensional changes, and water sorption. The dimensional changes were measured immediately after processing, after 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 days of water storage. Water sorption was measured after 7-days of water storage. The results revealed that both types of reinforcement affect the dimensional accuracy and water sorption of the test specimens when compared to the control unreinforced specimens. The greatest dimensional accuracy was found with the glass fibers reinforced test specimens. The lowest amount of water sorption was found with the silver-filled test specimens. It was concluded that both the tested reinforcing materials decreased the linear dimensional changes and water sorption as compared to the control group specimens.