Evaluation of different baseplate materials on casts with various palatal vault depths

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : The choice of baseplate material for a trial complete maxillary denture is a critical decision in prosthodontic practice. One significant factor to consider is the depth of the palatal vault, which can influence the suitability of the baseplate material. Close adaptation of the denture base is essential in preventing lateral denture movement and enhancing denture retention and support. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : This study was undertaken to evaluate and determine the most suitable baseplate material to use on casts of various palatal vault depths. METHODS : A total of 120 casts with varying palatal vault depths categorized as shallow, moderate, and deep were fabricated (40 per group). Denture bases, all designed to a uniform 2-mm thickness, were created using four different commonly used materials: pink baseplate wax, self-cured acrylic resin, light-cured acrylic resin, and 3D-printed photo-polymerized resin. Both the casts and the fabricated denture bases were sectioned down the midline. Measurements of adaptation were taken from the left halves. Readings were taken of the gap between the denture bases and the casts at three predefined positions (I - incisive papilla, II - mid-palatal area and III - posterior palatal seal area. RESULTS: For shallow palates the best material (i.e., most closely adapted) in position I was light-cured acrylic, in position II was self-cured acrylic and in position III was light-cured acrylic. For moderate depth palates the best material in position I was light-cured acrylic, in position II was self-cured acrylic and in position III was light-cured acrylic. For deep palates the best material in position I was self-cured acrylic, in position II was self-cured acrylic and in position III was light-cured acrylic. CONCLUSIONS : For all three palatal depths, the material with the closest adaptation in position II (mid-palate) was the self-cured acrylic resin and in position III (the post-dam area) was the light-cured acrylic. In position I (incisive papilla) the light-cured resin performed slightly better in shallow and moderate palates and the self-cured resin in deep palates. It would thus seem that based on this study technicians and clinicians should consider using firstly light-cured acrylic resin or self-cured acrylic resin as opposed to the more commonly used pink baseplate wax for trial denture base plates.