A COMPARISON OF ALGINATE IMPRESSION PRODUCTS IN TERMS OF STIFFNESS BASED ON YOUNG’S MODULUS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stiffness of five commercially available different algi­nate impression materials namely Cavex CA37®, Cavex Color Change®, Tulip®, Cavex Cream Alginate® and TOL® so that one can deduce which material is the most suitable for taking accurate impressions of deep sulci and undercuts. The study was divided in to five groups (one for each product) with thirty samples each, which were tested for hardness using shore A durometer. This was done at three time points, i.e. ends of working and setting times and the point at which a constant value of hardness was achieved, so there were three subgroups for each material, containing ten samples each. The modulus of elasticity at these time points was calculated using the Gent relationship for each material. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, by the repeat measure ANOVA test. p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Curves were plotted using Microsoft Excel for each material for comparison The results showed that the elastic moduli increased at all times in the following order; Cavex Cream Alginate®> Tulip®> Cavex Color Change®> TOL ®> Cavex CA37® and the rate of increase was greater at the end of working time, and later decreased. It was deduced that the most appropriate alginate product for deep sulci and undercuts was Cavex CA37®. However, studies including detail reproduc­tion studies, dimensional stability studies and disinfection protocols etc are warranted to accurately specify the suitability of each product for clinical applications.