Technique for making flexible impression trays for the microstomic patient

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Prosthodontics
• Clinical dentistry

Background:

• Microstomia presents challenges for conventional impression techniques using stock trays.
• Standard impression methods can be difficult and time-consuming for patients with limited mouth opening.
• Alternative approaches are needed to ensure accurate impressions in these cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an alternative impression technique for patients with microstomia.
• To describe a method utilizing putty wash materials for easier manipulation.
• To outline the use of dental stone for stabilizing and boxing preliminary impressions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing putty wash impression material, which requires minimal manipulation.
• Placing the preliminary impression in a free-flowing dental stone mix.
• Stabilizing the impression material for boxing and pouring.

Main Results:

• The technique is suitable for patients experiencing microstomia.
• Putty wash materials offer efficient manipulation.
• Stabilized impressions facilitate accurate boxing and pouring, yielding usable preliminary casts.

Conclusions:

• This impression technique provides a viable solution for patients with microstomia.
• The method simplifies the process of obtaining preliminary impressions.
• Resultant casts are valuable for diagnosis and fabrication of custom sectional trays.