Linear dimensional change and accuracy of fit of positive pressure thermo–formed prosthodontic materials

Abstract EN

determine the dimensional accuracy of thermoformed dental base plates.

Materials and methods : Six different types of thermoformed materials were used.

The circumference of the triangle formed between the index marks on standard maxillary edentulous metal model and measurements of the surface area of the gap between the posterior margin of base plate and the metal model were cap-tured with digital camera and measured with AutoCAD program.

Measurements were made after 1 day after processing and then 2, 3 and 7 days.

ANOVA and Duncan multiple range test were used to statis-tical analysis of the data.

Results : The linear dimensional shrinkage and inaccuracy of fitness were significant for all of the thermoformed materials.

The change after 7 days was not significantly differ-ent from that occurred after 1 day.

Conclusions : All thermoformed materials exhibited dimensional instability, the Duran (hard material) and Durasoft (flexible material) were the most dimensionally stable and accurately fitted thermoformed materials.