The ability of different materials to reproduce accurate records of interocclusal relationships in the vertical dimension

Abstract

Restorations made on incorrectly mounted casts might require considerable intra-oral adjustments to correct the occlusion or might even necessitate a remake of the restoration. The aim of this study was to evaluate interocclusal recording materials for their ability to reproduce accurate vertical interocclusal relationships after a storage time of 1 and 48 h, respectively. A custom-made apparatus was used to simulate the maxilla and mandible. Eight interocclusal records were made in each of the following groups: G1: Aluwax (aluminium wax), G2: Beauty Pink wax (hydrocarbon wax compound), G3: Futar D, G4: Futar D Fast, G5: Futar Scan (G3-G5: vinyl polysiloxane), G6: Ramitec (polyether). The vertical discrepancies were measured by an inductive displacement transducer connected to a carrier frequency amplifier after storage of the records for two periods of 1 and 48 h. Two-way anova was used for statistical analysis. The mean vertical discrepancies in mum (1/48 h) for G1 (31/35) and G2 (35/38) were statistically significantly higher than for the other groups G3 (8/10), G4 (11/12), G5 (6/8) and G6 (5/8) (P < or = 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the elastomers tested. The effect of storage on the vertical discrepancies was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Vinyl polysiloxane and polyether interocclusal records can be used to relate working casts during mounting procedures without significant vertical displacement of the casts.