Evaluation of physical properties of different denture marking methods

Objectives: Many people in Israel wear denture, which are essential to their quality of life. Previous study found 73% of institutions, which reported cases of dentures loss. Thus, there is importance of marking the dentures, which is also an effective forensic tool.
many studies have already compared different marking systems, their technical and aesthetic features (erosion , fire resistance, strength, acceptability) but those studies did not examined the durability and readability of the markings over time and in "real", wet environment. The purpose of the study was to find an optimal method for marking dentures, which will remain durable even after time and daily use.
Methods: 32 acrylic resin plates were prepared. Each plate was made with similar, standard indentations. Marking was performed in each indentation using one of three methods of marking (printed on paper, hand scribed on acrylic, or engraved on metal matrix), and then sealed with one of three different sealing methods (cold acrylic, heat cured acrylic and composite resin).
Results: There was no significant difference in the level of difficulty of marking for the different marking methods. The best results were for printed marking on paper and sealing using acrylics, allows good reading level compared to other marking and sealing methods.
Conclusions: Denture marking with the use of printed paper and sealing using heat cured acrylic demonstrate the best reading levels compared to other marking and sealing methods tested. Due to the practicality of using composite resins for sealing, further research is recommended to find ways in which good results (reading level and sealing levels) could be accomplish with the use of composite resins.