Reproduction of Fine Details and Compatibility of Vinyl Polysiloxane Impression Materials

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop novel experimental (Exp) vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression materials (ab initio) and to evaluate their reproduction of fine details and compatibility with pouring materials. The Exp materials were compared with three commercial VPSs (Aquasil Ultra Monophase (Aq M), Extrude Medium-Bodied (Extr M), Elite HD Monophase (Elt M)) under dry, moist and wet conditions. Five VPSs (Exp-I–V) were developed, out of which Exp-I and II were hydrophobic while Exp-III, IV and V were hydrophilic. In the current study, Exp-II is the control for Exp-III, IV and V. Exp-I was the control for Exp-II, in which tear strength of the VPS was improved by adding a novel cross-linking agent. This part of the study has already been published by the authors. Under dry conditions, all commercial and Exp materials reproduced the 20 µm line satisfactorily. Under moist conditions, all commercial and some of the Exp (III, IV and V) materials reproduced the 20 µm line satisfactorily, with the exception of Exp-I and II. Under wet conditions, Aq M, Extr M and Exp-IV and V reproduced the continuous line, while Elt M and Exp-I, II and III failed to produce the line. For compatibility, all commercial and Exp VPSs, under dry conditions, reproduced the 50 µm line on the cast. Under moist conditions, Elt M and Exp-I and II did not record the line, while Aq M, Extr M and Exp-III, IV and V reproduced this line. Under wet conditions, Aq M, Extr M and Exp-IV and V reproduced the continuous line of 50 µm, while Elt M and Exp-I, II and III failed to record this line. Performance of the materials depends on the type and amount of surfactant incorporated. These data provide useful knowledge for clinicians on recording and pouring impressions with greater accuracy of reproduction of fine details and compatibility with cast/die materials.