Influence of loading forces on the vertical accuracy of interocclusal records.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of loading forces on the vertical discrepancies caused by interocclusal recording materials.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

A custom-made apparatus was used to simulate the maxilla and mandible. Eight interocclusal records were made in each of the following groups: G1-Aluwax (aluminum wax; Aluwax), G2-Beauty Pink wax (hydrocarbon wax compound; Miltex), G3-Futar D, G4-Futar D Fast, G5-Futar Scan (polyvinyl siloxanes; Kettenbach), and G6-Ramitec (polyether; 3M ESPE). The vertical discrepancies were measured by an inductive displacement transducer connected to a carrier frequency amplifier after storage of the records for 1 hour at room temperature. Different compressive loading forces up to 1 kg were applied onto the upper part of the apparatus to evaluate the influence on the vertical discrepancies of the records. Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The compressive loading force had a statistically significant influence on the vertical discrepancies (P<.01) (ie, higher forces reduced the vertical discrepancies). When a compressive force of 1 kg was applied to the upper part of the apparatus, the mean vertical discrepancies for G1 (11+/-3 microm) and G2 (12+/-3 microm) were statistically significantly higher than in groups G3 (1+/-1 microm), G4 (2+/-1 microm), G5 (0+/-1 microm), and G6 (-2+/-2 microm).

CONCLUSION

A compressive force of 1 kg could be used to stabilize the cast during mounting procedures in an articulator using an interocclusal record made of polyvinyl siloxane without vertically changing the interocclusal relationships.