Effect of wash bulk on the accuracy of polyvinyl siloxane putty-wash impressions

Variations in the bulk of wash in a putty-wash impression technique can result in dimensional changes proportional to the thickness of the wash material during setting. The purpose of the study was to determine the amount of wash necessary to achieve accurate stone models while using a two-step putty-wash impression technique with polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression material. A total of 45 impressions were made of a stainless steel master model, 15 impressions for each wash thickness (1, 2 and 3 mm). The model contained three full-crown abutment preparations, which were used as the positive control. Accuracy was assessed by measuring six dimensions (occlusogingival and interabutments) on stone dies poured from impressions of the master model. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant differences amongst the three wash bulk groups, for all occlusogingival and interabutment measurements (P < 0.001). The overall discrepancies of the groups using wash thickness of 1 and 2 mm were smaller than the group with 3 mm wash thickness. Therefore, wash bulks of 1 and 2 mm were most accurate for fabricating stone dies, using PVS impression materials. This can be achieved by using the temporary crown to create the desired wash space in the preliminary putty impression. Wash thickness > 2 mm was inadequate to obtain accurate stone dies.