Digital models vs plaster models using alginate and alginate substitute materials.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the dimensional stability of four impression materials over time and to compare OraMetrix digital models vs traditional plaster models.


METHODS
Two traditional alginates (Identic and imprEssix) and two alginate substitutes (Alginot FS and Position PentaQuick) were used to take multiple impressions of a maxillary typodont. Fifteen impressions for each material were taken and poured with plaster at three time points: 72 hours, 120 hours, and 1 week. Five impressions for each material were taken and were sent to OrthoProof for digital model reproduction at 72 hours. Digital models were then integrated with OraMetrix software. Plaster and digital models were measured in the anterior-posterior, transverse, and vertical dimensions. The control typodont and plaster models were measured using a digital caliper, and digital models were measured using OraMetrix software.


RESULTS
Statistically significant changes were found for models replicated from Identic impression material in all three dimensions by 72 hours. Statistically significant changes were seen in imprEssix impressions in the vertical and intercanine dimensions. Digital models were significantly smaller in all dimensions compared with plaster models and the control.


CONCLUSIONS
Identic impression material showed a statistically and clinically significant change in all dimensions within 72 hours and therefore should not be used if impressions are not going to be poured immediately. Alginate substitutes were dimensionally stable over an extended period. Digital models produced by OraMetrix were not clinically acceptable compared with plaster models.
Torassian
Gilda
G
Department of Orthodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Kau
Chung How
CH
English
Jeryl D
JD
Powers
John
J
Bussa
Harry I
HI
Marie Salas-Lopez
Anna
A
Corbett
John A
JA
D000464:Alginates; D002133:Calcium Sulfate; D003198:Computer Simulation; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003765:Models, Dental; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D000464:Alginates; D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D002133:Calcium Sulfate