The effect of storage time on the accuracy and dimensional stability of reversible hydrocolloid impression material

It has been stated that reversible hydrocolloid impression material must be poured immediately to remain accurate. This may not be true with modern formulations of reversible hydrocolloid. The accuracy of the impression, if kept at 100% humidity for varying periods, may not be affected as critically as has been suspected.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time in a 100% humidity environment on the accuracy of gypsum casts poured from a newer formulation of reversible hydrocolloid impressions.

With the use of a stainless steel master model, 5 standardized reversible hydrocolloid impressions were made for each time interval tested (n = 5). Impressions were made with the use of both Cartiloid blue syringe and Slate tray reversible hydrocolloid material (both manufactured by Van R) to simulate a common clinical protocol. Six groups, representing times at 0, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 210 minutes, were evaluated for a total of 30 specimens. Gypsum casts were measured with a traveling microscope, and dimensional changes were compared between groups with ANOVA and Tukey intervals (alpha=.05).

Measurements made up to and including the 60-minute storage time showed clinically acceptable distortion levels. These measurements were similar to the metal model and the gypsum casts poured at time 0 minutes. The only statistically significant difference between the gypsum cast and the metal master model was the distance between abutments at storage time 180 minutes (master model = 30.04 mm [SD 0.001]; gypsum casts = 29.944 mm [SD 0.076]). This difference was -91 microm (P=.002). In general, the gypsum abutments became wider and shorter with time. There was no significant difference between any gypsum abutment in regard to width or height when compared with the metal master model for all the storage times tested. However, as time increased, measurement became harder to accomplish, leading to a larger standard deviation and less reliable results. The distance between abutments remained relatively constant for storage times up to and including 60 minutes. For times longer than 60 minutes, the distance between abutments was reduced and more difficult to read. The distance between abutments at the 3-hour storage time was significantly different than the metal standard and time 0 gypsum casts.

If a discrepancy of 78 microm (twice the 39 microm single margin opening) is clinically acceptable, then the results of this study show that this type of reversible hydrocolloid can be stored in 100% humidity for at least 60 minutes.