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Published on: August 28, 2014
Pre- and post-set hydrophilicity of elastomeric impression materials
Konstantinos X Michalakis1, Athina Bakopoulou, Hiroshi Hirayama
1Division of Graduate and Postgraduate Prosthodontics, Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. kmichalakis@the.forthnet.gr
Summary
Polyether impression materials demonstrated superior hydrophilicity compared to poly(vinyl siloxanes) and condensation silicones. This enhanced wettability is crucial for accurate dental impressions, especially in moist oral environments.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Accurate dental impressions are critical for restorative success.
- Hydrophilicity of impression materials influences their ability to capture fine details in a wet environment.
- Evaluating the wettability of various elastomeric impression materials is essential for clinical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the hydrophilicity of polyether, poly(vinyl siloxane), and condensation silicone impression materials.
- To compare material performance before and after setting under simulated clinical conditions.
- To correlate hydrophilicity with measured contact angle values.
Main Methods:
- Hydrophilicity and contact angle measurements were performed on six elastomeric impression materials.
- Impressions were taken from a prepared tooth in a simulated wet environment.
- Void analysis was conducted on stone casts, and contact angles were measured using saturated calcium sulfate dehydrate.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in hydrophilicity and void formation were observed among the tested materials.
- Polyether materials exhibited the fewest voids in both direct evaluation and on stone casts.
- Polyether also displayed the smallest contact angle values, indicating higher hydrophilicity.
Conclusions:
- Polyether impression materials are the most hydrophilic among the tested elastomeric materials.
- Higher hydrophilicity correlates with reduced void formation and improved accuracy in dental impressions.
