Gingival sulcus simulation model for evaluating the penetration characteristics of elastomeric impression materials.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the ability of five elastomeric impression materials to penetrate the gingival sulcus beyond the preparation margin.


METHODS
A model of brass and agar gel was made to simulate human sulci and clinical gingival conditions. Two addition-curing silicones, one condensation-curing silicone, one polyether, and one polysulfide were tested. Ninety impressions of the model were made, six impressions with each material with differing sulcular widths. The centers of sulcular extension of these impressions were found with a measuring microscope.


RESULTS
Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences among impression materials, sulcular widths, and their interactions. The penetration ability of polyether showed greater extension than the other materials, regardless of sulcular width. Polysulfide penetrated less than the two silicones with 0.2- and 0.1-mm sulcular widths but more with the narrow 0.05-mm sulcular width.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the viscoelastic behavior of elastomers depends on the width of sulci. Moreover, the sulcus simulation model effectively contributes to the investigation of their characteristics.
Aimjirakul
Pantira
P
Fixed Prosthodontics, Department of Restorative Sciences, Division of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
Masuda
Takayuki
T
Takahashi
Hidekazu
H
Miura
Hiroyuki
H
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003760:Dental Impression Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D003761:Dental Impression Technique; D004548:Elasticity; D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D004987:Ethers / Q000737:chemistry; D005881:Gingiva / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000737:chemistry; D012117:Resins, Synthetic / Q000737:chemistry; D012685:Sepharose / Q000737:chemistry; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry; D012833:Siloxanes / Q000737:chemistry; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D014783:Viscosity
D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D020724:Elastomers; D004987:Ethers; C022821:Impregum; D011145:Polyvinyls; C068743:Provil; D012117:Resins, Synthetic; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012833:Siloxanes; D013440:Sulfides; D012685:Sepharose; C032915:polysulfide