[Surface accuracy of hydrophilic impressions. 1]

The purpose of this study was to examine detail reproducibility and surface roughness of stone models made from silicone, polysulfied rubber, alginate and agar impression materials using stainless steel test block (ISO). In addition, the influence of artificial saliva was studied. The following results were obtained: 1. Silicone impression materials showed the best detail reproducibility of all materials. 2. When artificial saliva was dropped on the stainless steel test block, hydrophilic silicone impression material showed the best detail reproducibility. 3. In the test using artificial saliva, alginate and agar impression materials showed better surface roughness, but poorer detail reproducibility than silicone impression ones. 4. Hydrophilic silicone material indicated the highest detail reproducibility, and the lowest surface roughness in the test using artificial saliva.