Occlusal accuracy of casts made and articulated differently

This study evaluated the occlusal accuracy of gypsum casts constructed from irreversible hydrocolloid and selected nonaqueous elastomeric materials. Master metal casts were attached to a vertically moving apparatus that allowed their occlusal surfaces to produce repeatable contacts. Impressions were made with irreversible hydrocolloid, polysulfide, and vinylsiloxane. Resulting maxillary casts were mounted with a constant positioning device and mandibular casts were mounted with zinc oxide-eugenol paste records or by maximum intercuspation. Four specific master occlusal contacts were compared with contacts generated from the mounted gypsum casts; a perfect score was 40 (four contacts x 10 casts). A chi-square linear model for category data was used to compare groups. Results indicated that casts made from irreversible hydrocolloid should not be articulated with the use of a zinc oxide-eugenol paste but are best articulated by using maximum intercuspation (32/40 contacts).