Comparative Evaluation of Compression Resistance Three Different Interocclusal Recording Materials: An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Interocclusal recording materials are used to register jaw relationships for mounting dental casts on an articulator. The resistance of these materials to compressive forces is critical, because any deformation during the recording or mounting process would result in, inaccurate articulation of casts and faulty fabrication of restorations. So this in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the deformation with various thicknesses of three different interocclusal recording materials when subjected to a constant compressive load. Method: Three commercially available interocclusal recording materials (Momax 2F zinc oxide eugenol impression paste, Polyvinylsiloxane bite registration material and Ramitec polyether bite registration material) were used for the study. Eight specimens of three different heights (2mm, 5mm and 10mm), a total of 24 specimens were made for each interocclusal recording material. Twelve hours after fabrication, each specimen was subjected to a constant compressive force of 25 N for one minute by means of spring testing machine. The deformation of each specimen was measured after 60 seconds of loading to obtain compression distance values. Results: Significant differences in compression resistance existed between the interocclusal recording materials at each thickness tested. There was a decrease in the compression resistance as the thickness increases among all the interocclusal recording materials. Conclusion: Polyvinylsiloxane bite registration material exhibited the greatest resistance to compression than the other materials at thicknesses of 2, 5 and 10mm. Therefore the interocclusal recording material should be of minimal thickness and an optimal recording material should exhibit minimal distortion during compression.