Comparative analysis of elastomeric die materials for semidirect composite restorations

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Elastomeric die materials are crucial for fabricating precise chairside composite restorations.
• Evaluating material properties like flowability, dimensional accuracy, and tear strength is essential for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the flowability, dimensional accuracy, and tear strength of four different elastomeric die materials.
• To determine the most suitable material for accurate composite restorations.

Main Methods:

• Four materials (Mach-2, Scan Die, GrandioSO Inlay System, Impregum-F) were tested.
• Flowability assessed via shark fin test; dimensional accuracy evaluated by gap measurement in a premolar preparation.
• Tear strength determined using strip specimens in a universal testing machine.

Main Results:

• GrandioSO Inlay System exhibited the lowest flowability.
• Impregum-F achieved 100% acceptable gap values, followed by Mach-2 (80%).
• Impregum-F displayed the highest tear strength, surpassing Mach-2, GrandioSO Inlay System, and Scan Die.

Conclusions:

• Mach-2, Scan Die, and Impregum-F showed comparable flowability, with GrandioSO Inlay System being the least flowable.
• Impregum-F demonstrated superior dimensional accuracy and tear strength compared to the other materials.
• Impregum-F is recommended for its excellent performance in creating accurate chairside composite restorations.