In Vivo Heat Transfer Capacities of Autopolymerizing, Heat-Polymerizing, and Injection-Molded Acrylic Resins

The aim of this pilot study was to measure the heat transfer capacities of heat-polymerizing, injection-molded, and autopolymerizing acrylic resins in vivo. Two volunteers used acrylic resin removable plates and consumed hot (69°C) and cold drinks (6°C). Differences between oral temperature and highest and lowest temperature readings were recorded. Temperature changes for the autopolymerizing acrylic resin were found to be significantly higher than the heat-polymerizing and injection-molded acrylic resins for both cold and hot drinks. Despite the disadvantages of autopolymerizing acrylic resins, their high heat transfer capacity may be an advantage.