An effect of tray design and material retention on the linear dimensional changes in polysulfide impressions

One-unit fixed partial dentures, which fit accurately on the laboratory dies made from polysulfide impression materials, often pose a problem in seating completely in the mouth of the patient. Sectioning of the fixed partial denture units allows the individual units to seat accurately in the mouth but requires a soldering procedure. Linear distortion of the mercaptan (polysulfide) rubber base that takes place during setting is a cause of this problem. The distortion is directly related to (1) tray design, (2) area of adhesive placement, and (3) excessive bulk of material on the tray border during impression making. A controlled amount of adhesive and impression material in a new design for a custom tray must be used to minimize this distortion. When these factors are controlled, the resulting impression is unrestricted, and a more accurate working die is obtained. This results in a better fit of one-unit fixed partial dentures in the mouth.