Comparative analysis of the retention of maxillary denture base with and without border molding using zinc oxide eugenol impression paste.

Aims and objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of border molding on the retention of the maxillary denture base.

Materials and methods: Two special trays, one with full extensions to the periphery and one 2 mm short from the borders were made on the cast obtained from the preliminary impression. Border molding was done on the tray which was short from borders. On both trays, the final impression was made with zinc oxide eugenol impression paste. Heat cure denture bases were fabricated on the prepared casts and retention was measured using specially designed instrument.

Observations and results: Mean force with border molding (2765.0 g) was larger than mean force without border molding (1805.0 g) at P < 0.01 level. In terms of percentage, too, the mean improvement (59.4%) in force of dislodgement was statistically highly significant (i.e. P < 0.01).

Clinical significance: The results of the present study suggest that the dentures made with border molding will provide better retentive force than the dentures made without border molding.