Temporary restorative resins using non-phthalate ester plasticizers.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined temporary restorative resins that use non-phthalate ester plasticizers. METHODS: Three non-phthalate plasticizers were tested: tri-ethyl citrate (TEC), tri-butyl citrate (TBC), and di-butyl sebacate (DBS). The experimental resins were compared with resins that use a phthalate ester plasticizer (di-butyl phthalate, DBP) and commercial products (Dura Seal, Plast Seal, and Fit Seal). For the experimental resins, the ratio of plasticizer to PMMA/MMA resin was varied from 30 to 60% (wt). The mechanical properties of the experimental resins were evaluated using a modified diametral compressive strength and the resistance to explorer insertion. RESULTS: The strengths of the experimental resins with plasticizer concentrations ranging from 40 to 50% (TEC, TBC, and DBP) or from 30 to 40% (DBS), by weight, were equivalent to the strengths of commercial temporary restorative resins. A similar tendency was seen for the resistance to explorer insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that new temporary restorative resins can be prepared by choosing the appropriate proportions of resin monomer and non-phthalate ester plasticizer.