A Comparative Study to Determine the Wettability of Different Impression Materials

Background: Wettability of impression materials is essential to obtain a void-free cast. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the wettability of the impression materials immediately after setting and also to determine the change in wettability after 24 hours.

Materials and Method: Four impression materials were selected among which two were hydrocolloids and two were elastomers. Fifteen samples of each were experimentally tested immediately and 24 hours after sample preparation. Data obtained were subjected to t-test and analysis of variance for statistical comparisons at a 5% level of significance.

Results: The contact angle values were recorded immediately and 24 hours after setting. Lesser the contact angle value more the wettability of the impression material. The changes in wettability with respect to time were statistically analysed and it showed a statistically significant difference between the materials both immediately and after 24 hours.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, Elastomers showed better wettability when compared to the hydrocolloids at both time interval and they have negligible time dependant change. Newly introduced cream alginate showed better wettability at both time intervals equivalent to the elastomers and can be considered for usage.