A Comparative Study of the Mechanical Properties of Clear and Pink Colored Denture Base Acrylic Resins

CONTEXT: Pink colored acrylic does not always satisfactorily replicate the natural gingival color, especially in individuals with pigmented mucosa. In such situation clear acrylic denture base material can be used. Hence, there is a need of a comparative study of the mechanical properties of the clear and pink colored denture base resins. AIMS: The aim of this study is to compare the mechanical properties, i.e., tensile, flexural, compressive, and impact strength (IS) of clear and pink colored denture base resins. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was comparative in vitro study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 specimens were divided into two groups of 40 specimens each of clear and pink colored acrylic resin. Specimens for testing flexural, tensile, compressive, and ISs of acrylic resin (10 in each group) were divided. A universal testing machine was used for measuring flexural, tensile, and compressive strength (CS) while the Izod/Charpy impact tester was used for IS. RESULTS: The mean tensile strength for clear resin (n = 10) was 30.90 ± 1.663 MPa and that for pink resin (n = 10) was 31.30 ± 8.166 MPa. The mean residual flexural strength for clear resin (n = 10) was 75.60 ± 17.212 MPa, whereas for pink resin (n = 10) was 76.10 ± 14.130 MPa. The mean CS for clear resin (n = 10) was 84.60 ± 2.503 MPa and for pink resin (n = 10) was 85.40 ± 16.222 MPa. The mean IS for clear resin (n = 10) was 11.50 ± 5.104 MPa. While for pink resin (n = 10) was 11.90 ± 1.370 MPa. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that clear acrylic resin denture base material has mechanical properties similar to that of pink acrylic resin denture base material.