Accuracy of different materials used in impressions for fixed partial dentures

Abstract

Background: There are several elastic impression materials available for dental use. The present study evaluated accuracy of different materials used in impressions for fixed partial dentures.Materials & Methods: A master model of partially edentulous mandibular left hemi-arch segment was used. Custom trays were prepared with auto-polymerizing acrylic resin and impressions were taken using alginate and elastomeric materials and stone casts were formed. For the silicones, impression techniques were compared. Results: The mean discrepancies between the prepared tooth edges in the master model and in the stone casts in group I was 0.38 mm, in group II was 0.20 mm, in group III was 0.15 mm and in group IV was 0.34 mm. The difference was significant (P