A clinical comparative study of four interocclusal recording materials

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of four interocclusal recording materials and its effect on the relationship of the casts. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 25 partially edentulous patients with upper complete natural dentition and lower bilateral free end edentulous areas. Ten pairs of reference points were drawn on the lateral surfaces of the base of each cast pair when the casts were manually articulated in maximum intercuspation position. The vertical distances between each pair of reference points were measured by a scanner and computerized software. Four interocclusal records were made for each patient by four interocclusal recording materials: zinc oxide eugenol paste, polyvinyl siloxane, Aluwax, and Baseplate wax. The casts were fixed on each record, and the vertical separation, anteroposterior, and lateral displacement were measured and calculated. Results: Polyvinyl siloxane was significantly more likely to lead to successful articulation than other interocclusal recording materials. Aluwax caused the highest vertical separation whereas Baseplate wax caused the greatest lateral displacement between the casts. Conclusion: Polyvinyl siloxane interocclusal recording material was the most accurate whereas Waxes were the least reliable materials.