[Effect of the viscosity of alginate impression materials on the preliminary impression for complete dentures]

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of the viscosity of alginate impression materials on the results of the preliminary impressions for complete dentures. Five experimental alginate impression materials with different viscosity were prepared based on a conventional material. Fifteen complete denture wearers were selected and impressions on using the experimental materials were taken. Impressions were evaluated by the success rates at the mylohyoid ridge area (MR), buccal area (BL) and retromolar pad area (RP). The success rates had a tendency to increase as the viscosity rose at MR and RP. The success rates at BL were not significantly different among the materials. Our results indicate that the viscosity of alginate impression materials has a great effect on the results of preliminary impression for complete dentures, especially at MR. Impression materials with high viscosity may be suitable for recording the anatomical form of the alveolar ridge better than those with low viscosity.