Preferred Language
Articles
/
jih-4218
Effect of Nd: YAG Laser on Hardness and Color Change of High Impact Acrylic Denture Base Material
...Show More Authors

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used for denture bases but suffers from limited fracture resistance; high impact acrylic, enhanced with butadiene styrene rubber, improves strength. Lasers, particularly the Nd: YAG type, have been used to modify acrylic surfaces, mainly to enhance bonding with soft liners; however, little is known about the effect of Nd: YAG laser treatment on other properties like hardness and color, which are critical for clinical performance and esthetics. The study objective was to evaluate the effect of nanosecond pulsed Nd: YAG laser irradiation with two different hatch values on the hardness and color of high-impact acrylic denture base material. Fifty acrylic samples were made and divided into three groups: untreated control, laser-treated at 0.03 mm hatch (H3), and laser-treated at 0.05 mm hatch (H5). Hardness was measured using a Shore D durometer, and color changes were evaluated with a digital colorimeter using the CIELab system; chemical surface analysis was conducted by FTIR spectroscopy. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and independent t-tests, with a significance level at p ≤ 0.05. The results of FTIR spectra showed no chemical changes in acrylic after laser treatment, and hardness values did not differ significantly among groups (p > 0.05); however, laser treatment resulted in a significant color change, with ΔE values corresponding to a “much” perceptible color difference, which may compromise esthetics (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, Nd: YAG laser treatment does not alter the chemical structure or hardness of high-impact acrylic denture base material but induces significant color changes that could adversely affect esthetic outcomes

View Publication Preview PDF
Quick Preview PDF