[Reproducibility of surface roughness in vivo using elastomers, compounds and the replica technique]

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Metrology

Background:

• Direct profilometric evaluation of elastic dental impression materials has been a significant challenge.
• Traditional methods often involve indirect assessments or destructive testing.
• Advancements in non-contact surface scanning technology offer new possibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of using optical profilometry for direct quantitative analysis of elastic impression materials.
• To verify the accuracy of reproduction of various impression materials using this novel technique.
• To determine the suitability of these materials for direct profilometric evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the RM 600 Laser Stylus optical fine scanner for non-contact surface scanning.
• Compared surface structures of elastomer and compound impressions, as well as replicas, against original models.
• Analyzed mean roughness values (Rz) to quantify reproduction accuracy.

Main Results:

• The optical scanner enabled direct, quantitative assessment of impression material surfaces.
• No significant differences were found in mean roughness values (Rz) between original surfaces and most impression materials/replicas.
• Two exceptions were noted in the replica group, indicating minor discrepancies in specific cases.

Conclusions:

• Optical profilometry is a suitable method for the direct quantitative evaluation of elastic dental impression materials.
• The tested impression materials demonstrate high accuracy in reproducing surface details.
• This technique facilitates precise assessment of impression accuracy, crucial for restorative dentistry.