A study of the reproducibility of the functional denture space with a dynamic impression technique

A study was made on four patients to determine the reproducibility of the outer form of the buccal and lingual flanges of a complete lower denture as developed by functional movements of the surrounding tissues. 1. Two dentists participated in the study to find out the operator effect when making impressions for the functional form of the flanges. 2. Two tissue-conditioning impression materials were used to determine if the characteristics of the impression material had any effect on the final form. 3. The impression materials were applied to the denture flanges by two different methods. 4. The impressions were placed in a mitre box, stabilized with plaster, and sectioned in the molar, premolar, and incisor regions. This provided five cut surfaces for measuring. 5. Each section was measured at five to six representative distances. 6. The differences in the flange form measurement and the distances among the impressions made with the same technique and material were small, and the reproducibility can be considered clinically acceptable. 7. There were statistically significant differences in the flange form measurement distances among the different materials and method of application of the material.