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Surface properties and castability of elastomeric impression materials after plasma cleaning
C P Fernandes1, N Vassilakos, K Nilner
1Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Center for Oral Health Sciences, Lund University, Sweden.
Summary
Plasma cleaning improves the wettability and surface energy of silicone impression materials. This enhancement leads to better die stone castability, ensuring more accurate dental impressions.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Accurate reproduction of intraoral structures is crucial in dentistry.
- Wettability of impression materials directly impacts the fidelity of dental casts.
- Silicone impression materials are widely used but their surface properties can be optimized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of plasma cleaning on silicone impression materials.
- To evaluate changes in critical surface tension and its components.
- To assess the effect of plasma treatment on die stone castability.
Main Methods:
- Five silicone impression materials were subjected to plasma cleaning.
- Critical surface tension was determined using contact angle analysis (Zisman method).
- Die stone casts were made from treated impressions, and reproduction area was measured planimetrically.
Main Results:
- Plasma cleaning generally increased the critical surface tension of the materials.
- The polar force component of composite free energy showed an increase post-treatment.
- All tested silicone impression materials exhibited improved die stone castability after plasma cleaning.
Conclusions:
- Plasma cleaning is an effective method to enhance the surface properties of silicone impression materials.
- Improved wettability and surface energy translate to superior die stone castability.
- This technique holds potential for improving the accuracy of dental impressions.