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Accuracy in Dental Medicine, A New Way to Measure Trueness and Precision
Published on: April 29, 2014
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A Comparative Evaluation of the Linear Dimensional Accuracy of Four Impression Techniques using Polyether Impression
Smita Sara Manoj1, K P Cherian1, Vidya Chitre2
1Department of Prosthodontics, Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research Centre, Diamond Hills, Meeyyanoor, Kollam, Kerala India.
Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society
|January 17, 2014
Summary
The two-step double mix impression technique using polyether material demonstrated the least dimensional variation, producing the most accurate stone dies. This highlights the importance of accounting for die dimension changes in dental laboratory procedures.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Prosthodontics
- Clinical Dentistry
Background:
- Addition silicone impression materials are widely discussed for accuracy.
- Limited data exists on the accuracy of polyether impression materials with various techniques.
- Accurate dental impressions are crucial for successful cast restorations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the linear dimensional accuracy of four different impression techniques using polyether material.
- To assess the impact of impression technique on the dimensional stability of stone dies.
- To provide data to guide the selection of optimal impression techniques in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Four polyether impression techniques were tested: monophase, one-step double mix, two-step double mix, and matrix impression.
- Impregum Soft™ (3M ESPE) polyether material was used on a laboratory model simulating clinical conditions.
- Linear dimensions of stone dies poured from 30 impressions per technique were measured and compared to a master model.
Main Results:
- Polyether impression material generally resulted in smaller stone dies, except for the one-step double mix technique.
- Significant differences in dimensional accuracy were found among the four techniques for most measurements.
- The two-step double mix technique yielded stone dies with the least dimensional variation, showing superior accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The two-step double mix impression technique with polyether material offers the highest dimensional accuracy for fabricating stone dies.
- Laboratory procedures must account for potential dimensional changes (shrinkage or expansion) in dies produced by different impression techniques.
- Selection of an appropriate impression technique is critical for minimizing errors in the fabrication of dental restorations.

