Purpose: Alginate impression materials are the most commonly used masses for taking
impressions. They are characterized by good relation of properties to the price. However,
the main problem associated with use of the impression masses is dimensions stability.
Manufacturers of alginate masses recommend storage impression without any source of
moisture, but dentists frequently store impressions wrapped in a wet materials. This may
be the a reason of changes in dimensions and other properties. Moreover, it is recognized,
that casting the model in the soon after making impression guarantee better dimensional
accuracy. However, models are made usually after 24h. For some masses producers
claim unequivocally, that the impressions can be stored for up to 168 h without changing
the dimensions. So in this study was investigates how storage conditions affect chosen
properties of alginate mass, including the accuracy of the models.
Design/methodology/approach: Samples were prepared according to the manufacturer
instruction and divided into 5 groups. Measurements were made 20 min after taking the
impression and after 24h/168h of storage with/ without the resource of moisture. The
measurements of Shore A hardness, tensile strength, mass changes and dimensional
changes were made. Accuracies of the dental stone models were investigated with models
manufactured after 20 min and 168 h after impressions, in comparison to the master model.
Findings: The study showed that the storage conditions and time of storage had influence
on properties of alginate impression mass. The resource of moisture has got an influence
on dimensions and mass changes, tensile strength, elongation and shore A hardness. The
results show that the use of the resource of moisture may be a cause of unfavourable
changes in the gypsum model dimensions.
Research limitations/implications: The storing of the alginate impressions with the
resource of moisture is commonly practiced by the doctors, but it inconsistent with the
manufacturer's recommendation.
Practical implications: The method storing of the alginate impressions determined not
only the materials properties, but also the clinical properties of final products like dentures.
Originality/value: The significant of the method of the storing of alginate impression
materials on the chosen properties of the materials and the accuracy of the dental stone
models were shown.