Mechanical strength of PMMA denture base resin reinforced with ZrO2, TiO2 nanoparticles and glass fibers: A systematic review of selected in vitro studies
Simran Bansal
, Neha Jain, Divya Nagri Bhan, Pankaj Dhawan
, Neha Jain, Divya Nagri Bhan, Pankaj DhawanVol. 20., No.7., Pages 698-707, 2026
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2026.53
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2026.53
Corresponding author: Simran Bansal 
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) remains the material of choice for denture base fabrication; however, its relatively low flexural and impact strength predisposes dentures to fracture during function and accidental loading. Various reinforcement strategies, particularly metal oxide nanoparticles and glass fibres, have been investigated in vitro, although comparative evidence remains limited and methodologically heterogeneous. This systematic review critically compared the effects of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles versus glass fiber reinforcement on the flexural and impact strength of PMMA denture base resins. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar identified eligible in vitro studies published between 2014 and 2024. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Glass fiber reinforcement consistently demonstrated the greatest improvement in flexural and impact strength, with progressive enhancements reported up to approximately 7 wt%fiber content. Among nanoparticle reinforcements, ZrO2 showed superior mechanical performance compared with TiO2, with optimal reinforcement observed at concentrations around 3 wt%, while higher concentrations were associated with reduced strength due to particle agglomeration and poor dispersion. Considerable heterogeneity was observed across studies in terms of PMMA type, reinforcement concentration, specimen preparation and mechanical testing protocols, precluding meta-analysis. Overall, the available in vitro evidence indicates that glass fiber reinforcement provides the most reliable mechanical enhancement of PMMA denture base resins, whereas nanoparticle-based reinforcement offers benefits only within narrow concentration ranges, underscoring the need for standardized methodologies and clinically relevant testing in future research.
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