title: Impression Techniques Used for Single-Unit Crowns: Findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To: (1) determine which impression and gingival displacement techniques practitioners use for single-unit crowns on natural teeth; and (2) test whether certain dentist and practice characteristics are significantly associated with the use of these techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dentists participating in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network were eligible for this survey study. The study used a questionnaire developed by clinicians, statisticians, laboratory technicians, and survey experts. The questionnaire was pretested via cognitive interviewing with a regionally diverse group of practitioners. The survey included questions regarding gingival displacement and impression techniques. Survey responses were compared by dentist and practice characteristics using ANOVA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 1777 of 2132 eligible dentists (83%). Regarding gingival displacement, most clinicians reported using either a single cord (35%) or dual cord (35%) technique. About 16% of respondents preferred an injectable retraction technique. For making impressions, the most frequently used techniques and materials are: poly(vinyl siloxane), 77%; polyether, 12%; optical/digital, 9%. A dental auxiliary or assistant made the final impression 2% of the time. Regarding dual-arch impression trays, 23% of practitioners report they typically use a metal frame tray, 60% use a plastic frame, and 16% do not use a dual-arch tray. Clinicians using optical impression techniques were more likely to be private practice owners or associates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study documents current techniques for gingival displacement and making impressions for crowns. Certain dentist and practice characteristics are significantly associated with these techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: McCracken
authors.affiliation: Private practice of general dentistry with HealthPartners, Woodbury, MN.
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Louis
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Litaker
authors.affiliation: Private practice of general dentistry, Odessa and Fort Worth, TX.
authors.forename: Helena M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Minyé
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oates
authors.affiliation: Restorative Dental Sciences Department, Operative Dentistry Division, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
authors.forename: Valeria V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Gordan
authors.affiliation: Private practice of general dentistry, Spokane, WA.
authors.forename: Don G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.affiliation: Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY.
authors.forename: Cyril
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Meyerowitz
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
authors.forename: Gregg H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.affiliation: The National Dental PBRN Collaborative Group includes practitioner, faculty, and staff investigators who contributed to this activity.
mesh_terms: D003442:Crowns; D003761:Dental Impression Technique / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
keywords: Dentistry; crowns; gingival displacement; impressions; prosthodontics