Comparison of the adaptation of acrylic resin cured by microwave energy and conventional water bath

Acrylic resin record bases made from three commerical resins were processed by water bath curing and by microwave energy. The adaptation of the record bases to a standard cast was measured to determine if there were any statistically significant differences in the fit that could be attributed to the differences in curing methods and the brands of resin. The results indicated a small statistically significant difference in favor of the water bath cure overall, but clinically there were no appreciable differences in the adaptation of the record bases with either curing method or the resins used. The adaptation of artificial dentures made from acrylic resin is clinically acceptable with either microwave curing or the water bath method.