Comparative analysis among impression materials

Objectives. The purpose of this study was a comparative analysis of the level of accuracy of 3 impression materials. Materials and metbods. Firstly, a molar has been selected for and scanned with micro-CT. Afterwards, impressions have been made with three materials in standardized conditions. Results. The results of the evaluation showed that Polyvinyl syloxane material has required more time (6 minutes) for manipulation and solidification, followed by polyether (4 minutes) and Alginate, (1 minute and 30 sec). Dimensional values of volume and superficial area have produced different volume compared to natural tooth of a 3,2% for Polyvinyl syloxane, a 4,1% for polyether and a 5,3% for alginate; and in terms of surface of a 4,3% for Polyvinyl syloxane, a 3,9% for polyether and a 4,8% for alginate. Conclusions. From the results of this preliminary study, it is possible to conclude that alginate has showed a series of advantages, both economical and ergonomic. Further studies are necessary in order to confirm a future use of automatically blended alginate to take accurate impressions in the prosthetic field.