Effect of temperature changes on the dimensional stability of elastomeric impression materials

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Dimensional stability of dental impression materials is crucial for accurate prosthodontic restorations.
• Addition silicones are widely used impression materials in dentistry.
• Temperature variations during storage can affect the physical properties of impression materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate dimensional changes in dies made from addition silicone impressions stored at different temperatures (25°C, 37°C, and 42°C).
• To compare the dimensional stability of different addition silicone impression material combinations (putty/light body, monophase, heavy/light body).

Main Methods:

• 45 die stone models were fabricated from 45 impressions.
• Impressions were made using one technique and stored at three different temperatures (25°C, 37°C, 42°C).
• Die dimensions were measured using a profile projector with 0.001mm accuracy.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant decreases in die dimensions were observed when storage temperature was reduced from mouth temperature (37°C).
• Marginal increases in overall die dimensions occurred with increased storage temperature.
• The putty/light body combination showed the most significant dimensional changes, followed by monophase, with the heavy/light body combination exhibiting the least change.

Conclusions:

• Storage temperature significantly influences the dimensional stability of addition silicone impression materials.
• The heavy/light body combination demonstrated superior dimensional stability compared to putty/light body and monophase materials.
• Clinical recommendations should consider optimal storage conditions to maintain impression accuracy for dental restorations.