Evaluation of the Functional Impression Technique with Various Impression Materials on the Surface Topography of Dental Stone Casts and Their Effect on Retention

Abstract

Background: The accuracy of the final prosthesis is affected by the final impression technique and master cast production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the functional impression technique with various impression materials on the surface characteristic of dental stone casts and their clinical effect on the retention of complete dentures. Method: Specimens of three impression materials/stone casts were fabricated. The specimens of the impression materials/stone casts were divided into three equal groups (I, II, and III). The impression materials used were as follows: tissue conditioner group (I), zinc oxide (ZEO) (group II) and poly (vinyl siloxane) (PVS) (group III). Cylindrical split aluminium moulds were designed to receive the impression materials and the stone mixture. The surface roughness of the stone cast specimens of the three groups (I, II, and III) was measured with a surface profilometer and analyzed by a scanning electron microscope. A clinical study included five severely resorbed mandibular edentulous alveolar ridges and edentulous maxillary arches. Each subject received three heat-cured acrylic resin dentures, fabricated using the functional impression technique. The three dentures were identical except for the different impression materials used from Groups I, II and III. The retentive force of each denture for each subject was measured. Result: The results of this study revealed that the mean value of surface roughness of the stone cast surface of group I was higher than group II and group III. A statistically significant difference was observed in surface roughness and the retentive dislodging force between the three studied groups. Although using a tissue conditioner as a functional impression material led to a high level of surface roughness and good retention, it could not produce the same smooth surface quality of PVS or ZEO. These data were supported by SEM analysis. The complete dentures for these patients require important oral and denture hygiene care. Conclusion: Complete dentures made using functional impression technique with PVC as a final impression material are more comfortable, retentive and stable.