Influence of expiration date on detail reproduction of dental elastomers
Elastomers are synthetic rubber materials formed by polymers, which are joined by a small number of cross-links that form a three-dimensional network. The aim of the current study was to compare the surface detail reproduction of polyvinyl siloxane and polyether-based elastomeric impression materials (2 years after their expiration date) to the ones that have not exceeded this period-of-time. Four groups comprising 5 samples, each (n = 5), were divided based on material (polyvinyl siloxane – Express and polyether – Impregum Soft) and expiration date (expired, or not). The manipulated material was placed on a tray in a way to fully cover its inner part. Later on, it was placed on a metal matrix presenting 20-, 50- and 75-μm lines. Molds were removed after polymerization and surface detail reproduction was measured in comparator microscope (Stereozoom Microscope), along the 20 μm line (25 mm in length), at 4x-magnification, in compliance with ISO 4823. Surface detail reproduction values were subjected to descriptive analysis - results were expressed in percentage (%). All groups presented 100% of surface detail reproduction, regardless of impression material or expiration date. Surface detail reproduction of the investigated materials was not influenced by the evaluated elastomers’ expiration date.