Introduction: Addition of nanofillers to the denture base material in order to
enhance its mechanical properties may contribute to the dimensional accuracy of the
processed dentures. Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zirconium
oxide nanofillers addition on the dimensional accuracy of maxillary heat cured
acrylic dentures. Materials and Methods: Thirty six identical maxillary waxed up < br />dentures were constructed, divided into two equal groups(n=18), control group processed
into conventional heat cured acrylic resin dentures and test group processed
into 5% zirconium oxide nanofiller reinforced heat cured acrylic resin dentures. Teeth
movements were estimated linearly using digital software after processing and vertically
using digital caliper before and after processing. Changes in denture adaptation
were measured immediately after processing and after seven days hydration in distilled
water using digital software. Results: After processing, both groups showed increased
Vertical dimension of occlusion with less increase with the test group. Both groups
showed changes in teeth position with non-significant difference. Test group showed
more tendency to inward tooth movement. Test group showed significant more denture
adaptation after processing. However, denture hydration caused decrease in denture
adaptation in the test group while causing enhancement in denture adaptation with the
control group. Conclusion: Zirconium oxide nanofillers reinforcement showed nearly
comparable results of dimensional accuracy to the conventional dentures with negative
results on hydration.