Comparison of elastomeric impression materials' thixotropic behavior.

The improved flow characteristics of new elastomeric impression materials are significant factors in the selection ofsuitableproductsfor clinical applications. The aim of this study was to assess the thixotropic behavior and compare the flow characteristics of seven different elastomeric impression materials using a shark fin test. One polyvinylsiloxane showed the highest shark fin height values, while the newly formed vinylsiloxanether material exhibited no significant differences when compared with two polyvinylsiloxanes. One of the five polyvinylosiloxanes presented significantly lower shark fin values than all other materials. It was concluded that flow characteristics for most of the tested materials are acceptable.