Defectoscopy of denture polymers

When making a denture, a removable partial prosthesis or a removable orthodontic appliance, long term preservation of structure and function require that potential irritating effects are kept at minimum. Polymer manufacturing technology with optimal properties and the material type are essential for a successful treatment. Increasing the biomechanical comportment of polymeric materials implies fiber reinforcing. The different fibers reinforcing products made very difficult the evaluation of their performances and biomechanical properties analysis. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of various polymeric materials used in dental technology and to validate the en face OCT defectoscopic evaluation of polymeric dental prostheses by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM investigations evidenced the nonlinear aspect of the interface between the polymeric material and the fiber reinforcement and materials defects in some samples. The advantages of the OCT method consist in non-invasiveness and high resolution. In addition, en face OCT investigations permit visualization of the more complex stratified structure at the interface between the polymeric material and the fiber reinforcement.