The bonding properties of elastomer tray adhesives

1. The surface yielded by the acrylic resin formed against tinfoil provided better retention for the rubber base than any other surface tested. 2. Wax consistently gave the worst results in spite of careful boiling out. 3. The use of wax or asbestos spacers would not degrade the resin surface if tinfoil, or presumably the more easily obtainable aluminum foil, were used as a separating medium. 4. For drying times of between 15 minutes and 72 hours, no significant change was found in bond strength of elastomer to tray material. 5. Drying times of less than 15 minutes were found to be inadequate and to decrease bond strength; they are clinically inadvisable. 6. If, as a result of unavoidable delay, a tray is painted and then left for a number of days prior to making the impression, satisfactory bonding will still occur. However, if the dentist wishes to apply a second coat and dry it for 15 minutes, an increase in bond strength is likely to occur. 7. In the six systems tested, failure occurred at varied levels, from a low of 20 p.s.i. to a high of 80 p.s.i. 8. In the silicone and polyether systems, cohesive failure of the elastomer occurred before the adhesive bond between elastomer and tray failed. This finding correlates with the clinical observation that silicones and polyethers are more difficult to remove completely from acrylic resin trays when an impression has to be repeated.