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A comparison of dimensional accuracy between three different addition cured silicone impression materials
Summary
This study found that while silicone impression materials alter dimensions, casting them into gypsum dies compensates for these changes. The final cast dimensions accurately reflect the original metal implant abutment, ensuring precision in dental restorations.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Accurate dental impressions are critical for fabricating well-fitting implant prosthetics.
- Addition-cured silicone impression materials are widely used in dentistry.
- Dimensional stability of impression materials can impact the accuracy of dental casts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dimensional accuracy of three addition-cured silicone impression materials.
- To assess the dimensional accuracy of gypsum dies made from these impressions.
- To determine if casting compensates for dimensional changes during impression making.
Main Methods:
- Ten impressions of a metal implant abutment were made using three different silicone materials.
- Co-ordinate metrology was employed to scan and measure the abutment, impressions, and gypsum dies.
- Statistical analysis compared dimensions from the original abutment, impressions, and dies.
Main Results:
- Significant dimensional differences were observed between the original abutment and the impressions.
- No significant dimensional differences were found between the original abutment and the gypsum dies cast from the impressions.
- The casting process using gypsum-based material compensated for dimensional alterations introduced by the impression materials.
Conclusions:
- Addition-cured silicone impression materials exhibit dimensional changes.
- Gypsum die casting effectively compensates for these changes, restoring accuracy.
- This suggests that the impression-casting sequence maintains the fidelity of implant abutment dimensions for prosthodontic applications.
