Improved accuracy by reheating addition-reaction silicone impressions

Addition-reaction silicone impressions were made at 37 degrees C in two cylindrical trays of a truncated-cone-shaped chromium-steel die. One tray size was used to obtain impressions with 1 mm thickness from tray to the buccal and lingual surface of the steel die while the second tray permitted a thickness of 4 mm. Stone dies were made from impressions after (1) cooling to 22 degrees C for 10 minutes or (2) cooling to 22 degrees C for 10 minutes and reheating to 37 degrees C for 30 minutes. Results revealed that reheating the impressions to mouth temperature before pouring the dies improved their accuracy.