Fine detail reproduction of very high viscosity poly(vinyl siloxane) impression materials

Very high viscosity (putty) poly(vinyl siloxane) impression materials are used with both the conventional double-mix and single-mix putty/wash techniques. When the latter technique is used, portions of the impression of the prepared teeth may be made in the putty rather than the wash material. This study investigated the ability of ten different putty materials to reproduce fine detail. The American Dental Association stainless steel test die for Specification No. 19 was used. Two of the materials consistently reproduced the 20-microns groove. Three of the materials reproduced the 20-microns groove in one-half of the samples tested, while the remainder failed to do so.