(EFFECT OF MICROWAVE PROCESSING ON VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL RELATIONS OF COMPLETE DENTURES (COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Heat curing by the microwaves is one of the methods used to cure acrylic resin denture bases, and this study was carried out to investigate, the effect of microwave curing on the vertical and horiwntal occlusal relation of acrylic resin complete dentures, and comparing it with the effects occurring in conventional hot water bath curing (short cycle). Thirty identical complete dentures were constructed, and divided into two equal groups: Group (A): the dentures were cured with conventional hot water bath curing method (short cycle), in a metal flask. Group (B): the dentures were cured with microwave energy, in the fiber reinforced piastic flask. The changes in the vertical and horiwntal dimensions were measured after processing for both groups The results of this study showed: Increase in the vertical dimension of occlusion and Changes in the horizontal relations for both methods of curing, but the microwave cured dentures showed lesser changes than conventional hot water bath (short cycle) cured dentures. It is concluded from this study tltat: 1- Microwave curing produces lesser occlusal discrepancies than conventional hot water bath curing (short cycle) 2- Microwave curing produces lesser horizontal discrepancies than conventional hot water bath curing (short cycle) 3- It is better to process acrylic dentures in microwave oven.