Wettability of elastomeric impression materials: effect of selected surfactants

This study evaluated seven classes of 65 impression materials for the effect of selected surfactants on contact angle values for high-strength stone. Uniform surfaces of the materials were treated with a surfactant, and stone samples were poured on each impression material surface. The samples were sectioned and photographed for measurement of the advancing contact angles. Statistical analysis supported four conclusions: No significant difference was found between the two surfactants. Both surfactants were significantly better than the control (water). Polyether impression materials were superior in wettability to the other elastomeric impression materials tested. With respect to contact angle, two distinct groups of impression materials emerged. Reversible hydrocolloid (47.7 +/- 1.5), irreversible hydrocolloid (36.8 +/- 8.8), and polyether (45.8 +/- 7.6) formed a hydrophilic group. A hydrophobic group consisted of the polysulfide (62.6 +/- 10.1), poly(vinyl siloxane) (71.1 +/- 12.3), condensation-reaction silicone (74.1 +/- 11.0), and polyethene (75.9 +/- 14.6) materials.