Dimensional stability of polyvinyl siloxane impression material reproducing the sulcular area

The dimensional stability of a thin intra sulcular impression material reproducing the preparation finish line was evaluated. Impressions were taken of a stainless-steel master model of a simulated abutment with a 'gingival sulcus' using Express regular, Express fast and Aquasil. The putty-wash two-step technique was applied with spacer thicknesses of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mm. Mid mesiodistal and bucco-lingual measurements were taken directly from the sulcular impression material after 0.5, 2, 24, 48 and 72 h via a Toolmaker's microscope. The discrepancies between the measurements of the impression material and the master model were calculated. The discrepancies changed significantly over time (p<0.001). The use of a 0.5 mm spacer resulted in a negative deviation from the model (2-46 µm), minimally after 2 h. The use of 1 and 1.5 mm spacers showed a positive deviation from the model (21-52 µm) and both are equally recommended. Investment can be postponed until 72 h.