Objective Evaluation of Surface Microreplication by Dental Impression Materials

Abstract

Twenty-two materials, including 19 dental impression elastomers, were compared in their ability to replicate microscopic detail. Some polysulfide, silicone, and polyether materials performed well. Curiously, microscopic replication ability generally correlated inversely with that expected from the nominal consistency. The test method developed appears to be a suitable microreplication evaluation standard.