Accuracy of models for indirect posterior restorations

Effects of materials and techniques on the accuracy of models used to make indirect restorations was measured using a 4-unit posterior model containing a MOD and full crown preparation. Improved stone and fast setting epoxy dies backed with either improved stone or a thermoplastic hot melt stone were made from single-viscosity addition silicone impressions. Technique variations included heating or not heating the impression, cooling and pouring dies and placement of the hot melt stone on set or unset epoxy. The dimensions of the MOD (L, W, H) and of the crown (W, H) dies were measured at 1 and 24 h. No clinically significant changes occurred between 1 and 24 h. The stone control reproduced the dimensions of the master die best, and models made by pouring epoxy into the impression followed by immediate pouring of the hot melt stone gave the poorest reproduction. Other variations in technique using epoxy for the anatomical portion gave no practical differences in accuracy. Of the epoxy dies, those prepared from a previously heated impression with hot melt poured after the epoxy set had the best values; however, epoxy dies were smaller than stone dies. The fast set epoxy was noteworthy for rapid processing and sharp detail, however, negative changes for W and H of the crown and H and L of the MOD showed that a die spacer would be essential in the preparation of indirect restorations.