Elastomeric impression materials. The measurement of some properties relevant to clinical practice

The Effect of Usage of Antiasthmatic Inhalers on Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Dental Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study

OBJECTIVES

 Increased demand for esthetics by parents and children has resulted in the use of tooth-colored restorative materials. Children with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma use inhalers which have shown to affect the surface of restorative materials. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of antiasthmatic inhalers on color stability and surface roughness of three restorative materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Forty samples each of three dental restorative materials: group A: glass ionomer cement (GIC), group B: alkasite restorative material, and group C: composite resins were prepared. Each group was further divided into two subgroups of 20 samples each according to the inhaler used. All the specimens were polished using polishing discs and stored in artificial saliva in order to simulate the oral environment. The baseline color value and surface roughness of all the samples were measured using a spectrophotometer and a profilometer, respectively. Group 1 and group 2 were exposed to 0.31 mg of salbutamol sulfate and 20 mg formoterol fumarate in combination with budesonide, respectively, for every 12 hours, for a period of 15 days following which the samples were evaluated for color changes and surface roughness.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

 The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis and level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

 Exposure to both the inhalers caused a change in color and surface roughness in all three restorative materials. There was a significant change in the color of GIC and composite resin (ΔE > 3.3), following exposure to both the inhalers (p < 0.05). The change in color of alkasite restorative material was not significant. A significant increase in the surface roughness of composite resin from 0.56 ± 0.14 to 0.67 ± 0.19 was seen following 15 days' exposure to formoterol in combination with budesonide inhaler (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

 Following exposure, both the inhalers had an equal effect on color and surface roughness of all three restorative materials. Alkasite restorative material showed greater resistance to change in color and surface roughness when exposed to antiasthmatic inhalers, compared to GIC and composite resin. Thus, children who use inhalers and nebulizers should be advised to implement more precautionary oral hygiene measures and periodic dental visits.

Do digital impressions have a greater accuracy for full-arch implant-supported reconstructions compared to conventional impressions? An in vitro study

Aim

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of conventional implant impressions with digital impression techniques made using two different intraoral scanners.

Setting and Design

In-Vitro study.

Material and Methods

A scan of master cast containing four implants was made using two intraoral scanners: CEREC Primescan (Dentsply Sirona, USA) and 3Shape Trios (Copenhagen, Denmark) with PEEK scan bodies attached to the implants. Model was scanned ten times using different scanners. The accuracy of the chairside scanners was compared with highly accurate laboratory scanner. The scans were transferred into the software (Geomagic Control X 20, 3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC, USA) for analysis. The linear deviations and the angular deviations between the scans (scan of each model made using high-definition scanner and the master model scan) were calculated to determine the accuracy. Trueness was used as a parameter to compare the accuracy of different scanners (comparing test and reference).

Statistical Analysis

Analysis of variance was performed with Bonferroni's post hoc test for multiple group comparisons.

Results

Distribution of the mean overall absolute linear deviation was significantly lower in the conventional impression group compared to the CEREC Primescan scanner group and 3Shape Trios group (P < 0.05 for both). Distribution of the mean overall absolute linear deviation was significantly lower in the CEREC Primescan scanner group compared to the 3Shape Trios group (P < 0.05). Distribution of the mean overall absolute angular deviation did not differ between the three groups (P > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Conventional impressions showed significantly greater accuracy compared to the digital impressions made with both the above intraoral scanners for implant-supported restoration of an edentulous arch. In addition, the digital impressions with the CEREC Primescan scanner showed greater accuracy as compared to the 3Shape Trios scanner.

A digital implant custom tray fabrication method using the design process for simulating the position of the impression copings and 3D printing technology

The technique described allowed an implant custom tray to be fabricated referencing the location of connected impression copings. The technique uses dental computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing technology. The method controls the thickness of the impression material around the impression copings, improving the impression-making process.

The effects of cross-linking agent and surfactant on the tear strength of novel vinyl polysiloxane impression materials

OBJECTIVES

To formulate experimental hydrophobic and hydrophilic vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression materials ab initio, comprising a novel cross-linking agent, tetra-functional (dimethylsilyl) orthosilicate (TFDMSOS), and a non-ionic surfactant, Rhodasurf CET-2 (ethoxylatedcetyl-oleyl alcohol), and to investigate their effects on tear strength (TS).

METHODS

Five experimental formulations (Exp I-V) were prepared and compared with three medium bodied commercial VPS impression materials (Aq M, Elt M, Extr M). Tear test was performed on trouser test specimens (n=12 per material), at four time points (immediately, 24, 72 and 168 hours after setting). FTIR spectroscopy was used for identifying functional bonds and cross-linking. The results were analysed with one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test using the SPSS PASW statistical 22 software.

RESULTS

The material with novel cross-linking agent (Exp II) had significantly higher TSs at all-time points compared to Exp I (control; p˂0.05). Materials incorporating both TFDMSOS and surfactant (Exp III, IV and V), had further significantly increased TS at all-time points, which were concentration dependent. Extr M had a significantly lower TS (immediately after setting and at 24 hours) compared to all Exp and other commercial materials, with the exception of Elt M (difference not significant). The TSs of Exp II-V, after 72 and 168 hours, were significantly higher for than all commercial products and Exp I. FTIR spectra showed the consumption of Si-H groups indicating crosslinking had taken place with the addition of TFDMSOS and surfactant which contributed to an increase in the TS.

SIGNIFICANCE

TFDMSOS cross-linking agent increased the TS of Exp II significantly at all-time points compared to the control. Novel surfactant further significantly increased TS, and it was also concentration dependent. Exp VPS with improved TS have been developed, addressing one of the drawbacks of commercial VPS materials.

Impression technique for a complete-arch prosthesis with multiple implants using additive manufacturing technologies

This article describes an impression technique for a complete-arch prosthesis supported by multiple implants where additive manufacturing technologies were used to fabricate a splinting framework and a custom tray. The technique presented uses a shim method to control the homogenous splinting acrylic resin and impression material during the procedure, thereby reducing laboratory and chairside time and the number of impression copings and laboratory analogs needed.

An in vitro study to evaluate the effect on dimensional changes of elastomers during cold sterilization

OBJECTIVES

This study was planned to evaluate the dimensional stability of elastomers during cold sterilization or immersion disinfection and also to evaluate the same, along with acrylic resin trays which are used in clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A study mold according to revised American Dental Association. Specification no. 19 was used. Polyether, polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) (heavy body), PVS (regular body) and Hydrophilic addition reaction silicon (medium body) were selected for study. 2% glutaraldehyde and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite were the disinfectants used. The study was divided into group-I and group-II. In group-I study, 24 specimens of each impression material were prepared. Eight immersed in 2% glutaraldehyde, eight in 0.525% sodium hypochlorite and rest eight allowed to dry bench cure. After 16 h, the specimens measured under Leica WILD stereomicroscope and dimensions compared with master die. In group II study, 24 specimens of the material with the least dimensional changes were prepared and adhered to 24 acrylic resin disks using tray adhesive. Same immersion procedure was followed as in group I. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple tests.

RESULTS

Of four impression materials used, PVS (heavy body) was the most dimensionally stable, and Polyether was the least dimensionally stable in both the groups.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION

Within the limitation of the study, PVS (heavy body) was most stable, and polyether was least stable of all the impression materials.

A Comparison of Dimensional Accuracy of Addition Silicone of Different Consistencies with Two Different Spacer Designs - In-vitro Study

INTRODUCTION

Dimensional accuracy of impression materials is crucial for the production of working casts in Fixed Prosthodontics. The accurate replication of tooth preparations and their arch position requires impression materials that exhibit limited distortion.

METHODS

This study was conducted to comparatively evaluate the dimensional accuracy of additional silicones by comparing two different techniques and spacer designs, by measuring the linear changes in interpreparation distance. The impressions were made from a stainless steel master die simulating a three unit bridge. A total 80 die stone (type IV, Ultrarock) models were obtained from the impressions made using two different parameters. The two different parameters are Multimix and Monophasic technique and different spacer designs.

RESULT

The interpreparation distance of the abutments in the casts was measured using a travelling microscope. Each sample was measured thrice and the mean value was calculated. The results obtained were statistically analysed and the values fall within the clinically acceptable range.

CONCLUSION

The most accurate combination is multimix technique with spacer design which uses less bulk of impression material.

Comparison of the accuracy for three dental impression techniques and index: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES

This in vitro study compared the dimensional accuracy of stone index (I) and three impression techniques: tapered impression copings (T), squared impression copings (S) and modified squared impression copings (MS) for implant-supported prostheses.

METHODS

A master cast, with four parallel implant abutment analogs and a passive framework, were fabricated. Vinyl polysiloxane impression material was used for all impressions with two metal stock trays (open and closed tray). Four groups (I, T, S and MS) were tested (n=5). A metallic framework was seated on each of the casts, one abutment screw was tightened, and the gap between the analog of implant and the framework was measured with a stereomicroscope. The groups' measurements (80 gap values) were analyzed using software (LeicaQWin - Leica Imaging Systems Ltd.) that received the images of a video camera coupled to a Leica stereomicroscope at 100× magnification. The results were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis One Way ANOVA on Ranks test followed by Dunn's Method, 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean values of abutment/framework interface gaps were: Master Cast=32 μm (SD 2); Group I=45 μm (SD 3); Group T=78 μm (SD 25); Group S=134 μm (SD 30); Group MS=143 μm (SD 27). No significant difference was detected among Index and Master Cast (P=.05).

CONCLUSION

Under the limitations of this study, it could be suggested that a more accurate working cast is possible using tapered impression copings techniques and stone index.

Correlation of impression removal force with elastomeric impression material rigidity and hardness

PURPOSE

Difficult impression removal has been linked to high rigidity and hardness of elastomeric impression materials. In response to this concern, manufacturers have reformulated their materials to reduce rigidity and hardness to decrease removal difficulty; however, the relationship between impression removal and rigidity or hardness has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a positive correlation between impression removal difficulty and rigidity or hardness of current elastomeric impression materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Light- and medium-body polyether (PE), vinylpolysiloxane (VPS), and hybrid vinyl polyether siloxane (VPES) impression materials were tested (n = 5 for each material/consistency/test method). Rigidity (elastic modulus) was measured via tensile testing of dumbbell-shaped specimens (Die C, ASTM D412). Shore A hardness was measured using disc specimens according to ASTM D2240-05 test specifications. Impressions were also made of a custom stainless steel model using a custom metal tray that could be attached to a universal tester to measure associated removal force. Within each impression material consistency, one-factor ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analyses (α = 0.05) were used to compare rigidity, hardness, and removal force of the three types of impression materials. A Pearson's correlation (α = 0.05) was used to evaluate the association between impression removal force and rigidity or hardness.

RESULTS

With medium-body materials, VPS exhibited significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) rigidity and hardness than VPES or PE, while PE impressions required significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) removal force than VPS or VPES impressions. With light-body materials, VPS again demonstrated significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) hardness than VPES or PE, while the rigidity of the light-body materials did not significantly differ between materials (p > 0.05); however, just as with the medium-body materials, light-body PE impressions required significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) removal force than VPS or VPES. Moreover, there was no positive correlation (p > 0.05) between impression removal force and rigidity or hardness with either medium- or light-body materials.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence suggests that high impression material rigidity and hardness are not predictors of impression removal difficulty.

Linear dimensional accuracy of a polyvinyl siloxane of varying viscosities using different impression techniques

AIM

The present study is an in vitro study to evaluate the linear dimensional accuracy of commercially available polyvinyl siloxanes of varying viscosities using different impression techniques.

METHODS

Different impression techniques used were: (a) putty wash, with a two-step technique with polyethylene spacer, using a stock tray; (b) putty wash, with a one-step technique, using a stock tray; (c) single-mix technique, utilizing medium viscosity in a custom tray; and (d) multiple-mix technique, utilizing a heavy- and low-viscosity combination in a custom tray. For each technique, 10 impressions were made of a metallic maxillary dentulous master model.

RESULTS

The result of this study dictates that a heavy- and low-viscosity combination, double-mix technique in a custom tray produced an accurate result in all dimensions, followed by the single-mix technique, utilizing medium viscosity in a custom tray, and the putty wash two-step technique with polyethylene spacer, using a stock tray. Group 2 putty wash, one-step, simultaneous technique produced the least accurate result in all dimensions.

CONCLUSION

The putty wash two-step techniques were found to be as accurate as the multiple-mix technique, utilizing a heavy- and low-viscosity combination in a custom tray, and the single-mix technique, utilizing medium viscosity in a custom tray. Making custom trays is time consuming and costly.

Effect of storage period on the accuracy of elastomeric impressions

Aims:

To investigate the effect of the storage period on the accuracy of recently developed elastomeric materials.

Methods:

Simultaneous impressions of a steel die were taken using a polyether (I: Impregum Soft Heavy and Light body, 3M ESPE) and vinyl polysiloxane (P: Perfectim Blue Velvet and Flexi-Velvet, J.Morita). The trays were loaded with the heavy-bodied impression materials while the light-bodied impression materials were simultaneously spread on the steel die. The impressions were poured after 2 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days. Impressions were stored at approximately 55% relative humidity and room temperature. Ten replicas were produced for each experimental condition (n=60). Accuracy of the stone dies was assessed with a depth-measuring microscope. The difference in height between the surface of the stone die and a standard metallic ring was recorded in micrometers at four demarcated points, by two independent examiners. Dxata were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05).

Results:

Significant differences were found among the groups. Smaller discrepancies were observed when pouring was performed up to 24 hours (I-2h= 65.0 ± 15.68 μm; I-24h= 81.6 ± 11.13 μm) for the polyether, and up to 7 days for the vinyl polysiloxane (P-2h= 79.1 ± 13.82 μm; P-24h= 96.8 ± 6.02 μm; P-7d= 81.4 ± 4.3 μm). Significant dimensional discrepancies, however, were observed when polyether was stored for 7 days (I-7d= 295.3 ± 17.4 μm).

Conclusion:

Storage may significantly affect the dimensional accuracy of impressions and, thus, a maximum period and storage condition should be specified for the recently developed materials.

Modified custom tray

The use of a custom tray is highly desirable for accurate impression making in situations with multiple abutments. This article describes a modified custom tray fabrication method using autopolymerizing acrylic resin. The custom tray is fabricated by intraoral relining with autopolymerizing resin that is polymerized extraorally. The final impression is obtained during the same session after tray polymerization at 100 degrees C for 5 minutes. Relined areas are refined by trimming excess resin with burs of a known diameter to create a 2-mm clearance for the elastomer. For areas with subgingival finish lines, only 0.5 mm of resin is removed to direct the elastomer into the gingival sulcus. The procedure is time-saving because it reduces the need for a retraction cord and minimizes inaccuracies that would necessitate another impression.

The effect of tray material and surface condition on the shear bond strength of impression materials

This study compared the adhesive shear bond strength of three selected impression materials with that of thermoplastic and acrylic resin tray materials as a function of surface preparation. Polyether (Impregum), polyvinylsiloxane (Reprosil), and polysulfide (Permlastic) impression materials were evaluated on smooth, rough, and contaminated tray surfaces. Smooth surface samples were formed against glass and served as the control groups. Experimental groups consisted of samples contaminated with artificial saliva and rough surface samples that were abraded with 110 microns of Al203. A total of 126 samples were subdivided into 18 groups of seven specimens each. Each sample consisted of a 1 inch square, 3 mm thick mass of an impression material sandwiched between the prepared surfaces of a pair of resin plates. Each specimen was tested in a universal testing machine for adhesive shear bond strength. Data were analyzed with three-way analysis of variance and Scheffe's test. The results indicated that the thermoplastic resin material had better adhesive properties than the acrylic resin. For both tray materials mean adhesive shear bond strengths for Impregum and Reprosil were significantly greater than those of Permlastic. Tray surface contaminated with saliva decreased the adhesive shear strength at the tray adhesive impression interface.

An investigation of the rheological properties of 10 vinyl-polysiloxane impression materials

PURPOSE

The time required for 10 vinyl-polysiloxane impression materials to reach a viscosity of 5000 poise (Tcv) was estimated. This viscosity was selected based on previous work that suggested that an impression material might not be workable if its viscosity exceeded this limit. The effect of variations in the time of placement of the impression materials into a simulated oral-temperature environment was also studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The change in the viscosity of the impression materials was recorded with a viscometer at oral temperature. Impression materials were placed at either 20 seconds, 30 seconds, or 40 seconds from the start of mixing.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in Tcv among various impression materials. Variations in placement time significantly affected the Tcv of six impression materials.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the viscosity change of an impression material is beneficial in the clinical selection of an impression material.

Comparative elasticity tests for elastomeric (non putty) impression materials

This study was conducted to evaluate the methods used for measuring the elastic recovery of various elastomeric impression materials. One brand from each chemical group was selected to allow relative ranking of the results from each deforming test mode. For compression tests, the polysulphide and silicone specimens made in metal moulds gave significantly less set than those made in acrylic moulds; this was not so for the polysiloxane and polyether specimens. For polysulphide and polyether materials, the set in compression was greater using the BSI balanced beam method than for an optical method without inertia or load effects; this was not so for silicone or polysiloxane materials. The elastic recovery of the materials did not alter significantly after ten minutes of strain release, except in tensile tests, where the elastic recovery continued to change for twenty minutes. The rank ordering of the deformation set showed a relative correlation for the compression test, a new tensile test method, and bend and torsion testing methods. Thus only one method is needed to determine set per cent.

Effect of tray space on the accuracy of monophasic polyvinylsiloxane impressions

The effect of tray space on the dimensional accuracy and stability of impressions made from four brands of monophasic polyvinyl siloxane material was assessed on the recovered stone casts by quantitative and qualitative methods. In general, both evaluation methods agreed that tray space and repeat pour did not affect the accuracy of the dies for individual castings. But disagreement was observed in the findings for fixed partial dentures (FPDs). Quantitative measurement of the interpreparation (IP) dimensions did suggest the possibility of a potential problem when a FPD is cast in one piece because of a significantly reduced distance between the two abutments. However, from the findings of this study it can be concluded that a rigid stock tray can be used with a monophasic polyvinyl siloxane impression material.

Effect of impression tray design and impression technique upon the accuracy of stone casts produced from a putty-wash polyvinyl siloxane impression material

This study examined the accuracy of stone casts produced from impressions taken in stock polycarbonate trays, some of which had been strengthened with autopolymerizing polymethyl methacrylate resin. Three techniques were used to make the impression of an acrylic master model of the mandibular arch on which two extracoronal preparations for bridgework and one intracoronal inlay preparation had been carried out. Each preparation had been indented with a reference point for later measurement. The impression material was a putty-wash polyvinyl siloxane material. Five impressions were taken for each type of tray for each impression technique and these were cast in die-stone after 24 h. The distances between the points were measured with a reflex microscope and the means determined for each design of tray. The mean difference between casts produced from the various tray designs and the acrylic master model were determined for each of the distances between the three measuring points for the various impression techniques. Statistical analysis showed that, with the polycarbonate stock trays, there were significant differences between some of the modifications and between them and the acrylic model, for the three distances (P less than 0.05). These differences were limited to one measurement for one design of tray for each of the two-stage impression methods. With the one-stage technique the unreinforced tray and those reinforced with acrylic, over the heels and anteriorly, and the barred design were statistically significantly different from the acrylic model for measurement A-B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of reheating on the accuracy of addition silicone putty-wash impressions

The effect of the relatively high thermal contraction of addition silicones (polyvinylsiloxane) on the accuracy of stone casts was evaluated using the putty/wash relining impression technique and acrylic resin trays. Impressions were made at 37 degrees C and were divided into two groups. One group was poured at room temperature (22 degrees +/- 2 degrees C) and another group was reheated to 37 degrees C before pouring. Measurement of the dimensional changes failed to reveal improved accuracy of the stone casts poured at the same temperature as that reached during impression making. On the basis of this limited sample, it can be concluded that reheating the impression using the putty/wash relining technique did not improve the accuracy of the stone cast.

Live primates and dental replication: new problems and new techniques

Dental microwear analyses are beginning to provide new insights into the intricacies of jaw movement and tooth use in modern and extinct mammals. However, these analyses are also raising new questions that are best answered through studies of live animals with known diets. The process of taking dental impressions from live animals is a difficult one that presents problems different from those encountered in working with museum material. This report presents a review of some of those problems together with solutions that have been developed in the course of laboratory work with nonhuman primates. It also summarizes recent developments in dental casting.

The rheology of silicone rubber impression materials

A selection of silicone rubber impression materials were studied for their rheological properties prior to and following mixing. The techniques used were a cone and plate viscometer and a capillary viscometer. All the impression materials were found to show pseudoplastic behaviour which is readily described by a power law function. For the mixed materials the onset of molecular entanglement, whilst theoretically establishing the absolute end of the working time, gave a gross overestimate of the clinical working time. The capillary viscometer is more useful than the cone and plate viscometer in providing information on the clinical working time.

Rheological properties of elastomers during setting

A controlled stress rheometer has been used to monitor the changes in rheological properties occurring in five elastomeric impression materials during setting. The rheometer differs from conventional rotary viscometers in that the torque is the controlled variable, and the resulting deformation is measured. The use of such an instrument in oscillatory mode enables a range of rheological parameters--including viscosity, rigidity, and elasticity--to be monitored during setting. The polyvinylsiloxane impression materials develop elasticity at a rate that would not be apparent from measurements of viscosity or rigidity alone. This highlights the potential danger of basing the evaluation of clinically important properties, such as working time, on simple measurements of viscosity or rigidity.

Consistency, working time and setting time of elastomeric impression materials

This paper describes the development of an instrument for determining consistency, working time and setting time of elastomeric impression materials. The operating principle involves the application of a fixed compressive strain and the resulting stress is measured. This instrument has been called a Comprheometer. Temperature control is achieved by water circulation so that simulated room or open-mouth temperatures can be used. Values of consistency and working time are presented for a range of elastomeric materials at room temperature. Also, setting times determined under oral conditions are recorded.

Rigidity of elastomeric impression materials

The rigidity of an impression material should be less than a certain value in order that excessive forces are not required when taking impressions of undercut areas. Conversely, the impression should be sufficiently rigid to withstand the weight of stone whilst pouring the cast without distortion. This paper describes a method of determining elastic modulus values at times as early as the setting time of the material. Results indicate that the elastic modulus values increase from the setting time to 30 min after the start of mix. Values are presented for a representative range of elastomeric impression materials.

Review of dental impression materials

Major advances in impression materials and their application have occurred during the last decade, with greater emphasis being placed on rubber impression materials than on dental compound, zinc oxide-eugenol, and agar and alginate. Of particular interest has been the effect of disinfection solutions on the qualities of impressions and the biocompatibility of impression materials. The principal advance in hydrocolloids has been the introduction of the agar/alginate impression technique, which has simplified the procedure and improved the quality of gypsum dies compared with those prepared in alginate impressions. The tear strength of some alginates has been improved, and some have been formulated so that the powder is dustless, thus reducing the health hazard as a result of patient inhalation of dust during the dispensing process. Polyether and silicone impression materials have been modified so that the working time, viscosity, and flexibility of the polyethers have been improved and, with the introduction of addition silicones, their accuracy has become exceptional. Although the early addition silicones liberated hydrogen after setting, thus delaying the pouring of models and dies, most addition silicones have been improved so that no hydrogen is released and dies can be poured immediately. The introduction of automatic mixing systems for addition silicones has simplified their manipulation, has reduced the number of voids in impressions, and has reduced the amount of material wasted. The incorporation of surfactants into addition silicones has made them hydrophilic, with wetting properties similar to those of polyethers, and has made pouring bubble-free gypsum dies easier.

This review is confined to published and unpublished information of the past decade. It will also suggest trends that should be anticipated in the near future based on this information. The review will not present information developed before 1975, which is available in several textbooks on dental materials by Craig (1985a), Phillips (1982), and Williams and Cunningham (1979).

Comparison of five interocclusal recording materials

The initial resistance of interocclusal recording materials to closure changed from 0.5 N to 13.8 N, and a rapid rise in the working time was seen in all elastomers. The resistance exhibited by wax at 60 degrees C was about 7 N. The volumetric contraction of elastomers in polymerization was clinically slight. The dimensional stability of rigid materials, acrylic resin, and zinc oxide pastes was good. Elastomers maintained their reliability for a relatively long time when stored in a tightly sealed plastic bag.

Systematic inquiry in tests of negative/positive replica combinations for SEM

High resolution replica materials are routinely used in scanning electron microscopy. A systematic evaluating procedure for replica combinations is proposed which details fourteen points to be recorded. These points include quantitative and qualitative information useful when assessing a replica combination for a particular research problem. A case study employing one silicone-based impression material and one epoxy resin is performed as an example of the procedure.

Dimensional stability of elastomeric impression materials in custom-made and stock trays

Elastomeric impression materials for fixed prosthodontics are considered most stable when they have an even thickness of 2 to 4 mm. To obtain this, a custom-made impression tray is recommended. The purpose of the present study was to compare the stability of impressions made in custom trays and trays made of chromium-plated brass. The impression materials chosen were polyether and silicone. Two master models of the upper jaw were made of metal. The canines and first molars represented abutment teeth with flat occlusal surfaces. An engraved cross on each surface made it possible to measure in a microscope the distances between the abutment teeth on the models and in the impressions. The accuracy of the method was within +/- 8 micron. Twelve standardized impressions were made with each impression material in the two types of trays. The distances between the abutment teeth were measured immediately on removal of the impression, and after 1 and 24 hours. Although ample amount of impression material (2 to 9 mm) was allowed, the linear dimensional stability of the impressions made in stock trays was not inferior to the stability of impressions made in custom-made trays.

Movement of abutment teeth in spring cantilever bridges: a laboratory study

The extent and directions of movements of spring bridge abutments were studied on acrylic casts with resilient steep and shallow palates and containing human molar and premolar abutments with compressible 'periodontal ligaments'. Bridges with rigid bars and 'flexible' standard, long and short lengths were cast in Type IV gold, and soldered to Type III gold retainers which were pinned to the abutments. The pontic on each bar was depressed a standard 0.2 mm, and the movement of the abutments registered on a dial gauge resting against the mesio-buccal corner of each retainer. The combination of bar length and palatal contour causing least movement of an abutment was the shortest bar to the molar abutment in the shallow palate model; indeed all bars on this model deflected the molar abutment less than similar bars on the steep palate model. Differences in palatal contours did not affect the extent of movements of the premolar abutments which were comparable to molar movements in the steep palate model. Abutment teeth moved mesio-buccally when the pontic was depressed, and the elbow of the bar usually moved off the palate indicating the fulcrum was positioned along the anterior section of the bar.