Microwave polymerization of denture base materials. A comparative study.

A comparison of some properties of denture base polymers processed by both microwave and water-bath methods demonstrated that, in general, water-bath polymerization with a long curing cycle and a 3-h terminal boil produced superior properties. Although these two methods were inter-changeable for the conventionally heat cured material, consistently superior results were produced by following the method recommended by the manufacturer. Microwaving of autopolymerizing resin improved mechanical properties and reduced residual monomer. The clinical significance of these results remains to be tested.