Dimensional change in dentures processed in silicone and stone moulds

Anecdotal evidence suggests that many dental laboratories are surrounding the teeth and gingival margins of the wax patterns for complete dentures with silicone laboratory putty prior to investing in dental stone or plaster to facilitate deflasking and polishing. This project investigates differences in dimension during processing when putty is used. Two groups of ten standardised dentures, one group with silicone, one group without were processed. Cross arch measurements were made before and after processing using an eight hour curing cycle followed by slow cooling. No statistically significant difference in change in dimension was observed between the two groups, indicating that this is an acceptable method.