Degradation of Printed Polymethyl Methacrylate Denture Base Materials under Simulated Oral Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
AIM
To investigate the effects of artificial aging on the mechanical, physical, and chemical characteristics of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base materials.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies searched five databases until December 2025. This was reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses 2020 (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. Selected studies evaluated heat-cured, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-milled, and three-dimensionally (3D)-printed PMMA denture base materials. All these used artificial aging protocols. Random-effects meta-analysis was applied wherever necessary.
RESULTS
Artificial aging resulted in a significant decrease in flexural strength after aging. There were small to moderate decreases in mean values based on fabrication method and aging protocol applied. Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing-milled PMMA consistently showed the highest flexural strength values before and after aging. Hardness and roughness were not affected by standard thermocycling protocols. There was some variability with coffee or staining aging protocols. Three-dimensionally printed PMMA showed higher water sorption values than milled or conventional PMMA. The levels of residual monomer released were low for all fabrication techniques.
CONCLUSION
Artificial aging resulted in small to moderate decreases in the flexural strength of PMMA denture…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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