Hydrophilicity and Dimensional Accuracy of a New Vinyl Polysiloxane Impression Material: An Experimental Study.

Abstract

Aim: Higher hydrophilicity and dimensional accuracy can contribute to better accuracy of impression to ensure the clinical success of restoration fabrication. We aimed to investigate the hydrophilicity and dimensional accuracy of a newly formulated vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression material and compare that with those of eight other commercially available VPS impression materials.

Materials and methods: The experimental VPS impression material was formulated by our proprietary resin and filler technologies. Capture (S&C Polymer), Express, Imprint 3 and Imprint 4 (3M ESPE), Start VPS (Danville), Honigum (DMG), Virtual (Ivoclar Vivadent), and Elite HD+ (Zhermack) were selected for comparison. The hydrophilicity was characterized by the contact angle (thickness × diameter = 2 × 20 mm, n = 5) that was measured using an Ossila contact angle goniometer. The dimensional accuracy was determined by measuring the linear dimensional change (thickness × diameter = 3 × 30 mm, n = 5) according to ISO 4823:2021. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests (P < 0.05).

Results: The initial contact angles of Experimental are significantly lower than or similar to those of most impression materials for both light body and heavy body. However, Experimental showed significantly lower contact angle than other impression materials except statistically equivalent to Imprint 3, Imprint 4 at 10 sec and 30 sec and Virtual at 10 sec for light body, and significantly lower than most impression materials except higher than Imprint 4 at 10 sec and statistically equivalent to Imprint 4 at 30 sec for heavy body. Experimental exhibited significantly lower dimensional change than or like other impression materials at the beginning, 24 h. 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks for both light body and heavy body.

Conclusion: The experimental VPS impression material displayed higher hydrophilicity and higher dimensional accuracy and stability compared to those of most commercially available VPS impression materials and is good to use in the fabrication of restorations for accurate impressions.