Compressive strength of interocclusal recording materials.

Many materials are used for making interocclusal records to mount casts on dental articulators. The strength of these materials during the compressive forces encountered in the mounting process is important because any deformation will cause incorrect occlusal relationships. This investigation compared the deformation of 4 thicknesses (2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm), when subjected to 25 N compressive force, of 3 interocclusal recording materials: condensation silicone, recording wax, and rubber-based polyvinylsiloxane. Significant differences were recorded for all materials of 20 mm, 10 mm and 2 mm thickness. However, there was no significant difference among the 5 mm groups. Interocclusal records should be made of a minimal thickness, using a recording material which exhibits minimal distortion during compression.