Synthetic casting tape as a facial impression tray material

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Dental Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Custom facial impression trays are crucial for accurate dental prosthetics.
• Existing tray materials may degrade with repeated disinfection, limiting reusability.
• Thermoplastic materials offer potential for durable and adaptable impression trays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a fabrication procedure for facial impression trays using thermoplastic synthetic casting tape.
• To evaluate the disinfection compatibility and material integrity of the fabricated trays.
• To assess the potential for reusable impression trays in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of impression trays using thermoplastic synthetic casting tape.
• Disinfection protocols applied to the fabricated trays.
• Material integrity testing post-disinfection to assess degradation.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of facial impression trays from thermoplastic synthetic casting tape.
• Trays demonstrated resistance to degradation after disinfection procedures.
• The material maintained its structural integrity, allowing for repeated use.

Conclusions:

• Thermoplastic synthetic casting tape is a suitable material for fabricating durable and reusable facial impression trays.
• The developed procedure offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative for impression tray preparation.
• Disinfection without material degradation enables storage and subsequent use, enhancing workflow in dental applications.