Comparison of the surface detail reproduction of flexible die material systems

Statement of problem. Flexible die materials have been introduced to facilitate the fabrication of indirect provisional or definitive restorations in 1 appointment. Purpose. This study compared the surface detail reproduction of 7 potential flexible die materials when used in combination with 7 elastomeric impression materials. Methods. Surface detail reproduction of 17 impression material/flexible die material systems was compared with a control system containing an elastomeric impression material and a Type IV dental stone. Test dies of each system were prepared in a random order with the American Dental Association apparatus for testing detail reproduction, compatibility, and dimensional stability. Results. One flexible die system had better surface detail reproduction than the control stone die, other systems had similar or worse reproduction. Surface detail reproduction was adversely affected when a separator was required between the impression and flexible die material. Conclusions. Impregum F die material with Extrude Light impression material produced better surface detail reproduction than the control dies. Impregum F impressions were incompatible with Blu-Mousse, Impregum F, or Imprint die materials. Polyvinyl siloxane impressions were incompatible with polyvinyl siloxane dies unless a separator was used. When a separator was used, the surface detail reproduction was not as good as the control die system or the Extrude Light impression material/Impregum F die material combination.