Abstract

ANDRADE, Juliana Maria Porto Meireles de et al. Analysis of flexural strength of acrylic resins with thermal polymerization used in occlusal splint. RFO UPF [online]. 2014, vol.19, n.1, pp. 94-100. ISSN 1413-4012.

Acrylic resins are the most commonly used materials in the fabrication of occlusal splints, however they present critical properties in terms of strength and longevity. Objective: this study sought to assess the flexural strength of two acrylic resins with thermal polymerization used in occlusal orthotics: (Vipi Cril Plus™) and (Vipi Wave™). Materials and method: 80 test samples were prepared and divided according to the polymerization method: conventional and microwave. The specimens of each group (n=10) were immersed in distilled water (control group) and artificial saliva (test group), and stored in a bacteriological oven at 37 °C for periods of 7 and 15 days. Subsequently, the samples were subjected to mechanical bending tests on three points. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p=0.02) between the groups, when compared to the type of polymerization. However, there was no significant statistical difference between the substances of specimens' storage, and there was also no difference regarding storage periods. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that polymerization by microwave energy showed higher flexural strength than the conventional polymerization condition, showing no influence of artificial saliva or immersion time.

Keywords : Acrylic resins.; Occlusal splints.; Polymerization..