Stabilization of full dentures (dental lab technology Book 23)

A prosthesis made of PMMA acrylic should not break under normal circumstances. It requires accurate impression taking followed by proper fabrication and correct handling by the patient. In order to fabricate a strong reinforcement, certain basic conditions need to be considered.

Acrylic dental prostheses made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) may break. Under normal conditions fractures are rare. Normal conditions are:

an accurately fitting prosthesis base
an accurate occlusion
adequate cross-section of the prosthesis base (approx. 2 mm)
correctly processed base acrylic material
correctly polymerized acrylic teeth
proper handling of the prosthesis by the patient

The risk of fracture for the prosthesis base is increased by the following conditions: extreme bruxism

full dentition of the opposing jaw
extreme prosthesis static with partial bone support
dropping of the prosthesis
submerging the prosthesis in boiling water for hygenic reasons

Keywords: cast, mesh, acrylic, PMMA, stability, complete, dental, prosthetics, reinforcement, composite, technique