Denture Base Resins for Removable Complete Dentures: Material Properties and Clinical Evaluation—A Narrative Review

Abstract

This narrative review aimed to synthesize two complementary bodies of evidence on resin materials used for definitive removable complete dentures: (1) laboratory evidence on the physical, mechanical, dimensional, water-related, optical, chemical, biological, and repair-related properties of conventional heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), CAD/CAM-milled PMMA, 3D-printed photopolymers, and transparent formulations; and (2) clinical evidence on complete-denture adaptation, retention, function, tissue response, maintenance, technical complications, and patient-reported outcomes. Evidence was identified through PubMed searches and reference-list screening. Original laboratory and clinical studies, together with selected case reports relevant to definitive complete dentures, were synthesized thematically rather than statistically pooled. Some laboratory comparisons favored milled PMMA for selected mechanical properties, whereas findings on fit and retention varied by system and measurement method. Results for printed resins also varied according to formulation, printing orientation, and post-curing conditions. Clinical comparisons showed differences in individual outcomes, but studies that changed several elements of the treatment pathway could not isolate the effect of the base resin. Evidence on transparent bases remains limited and consists mainly of laboratory comparisons, with little comparative long-term clinical evidence. Material selection should consider the specific resin and processing protocol, the completed prosthesis, and patient needs. Transparent bases may provide an aesthetic option but require evaluation of their mechanical, biological, functional, and optical properties.