PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare 2 splinted impression transfer techniques for implant-supported prostheses. MATERIALS: A metal matrix (control) with 4 implants was used. The implants were positioned at 90, 80, 75, and 65 degrees in relation to the surface of the matrix. Squared impression copings were splinted with self-curing acrylic resin in group 1 (n = 10) and with condensation silicone in group 2 (n = 10). A computer software was used to measure the implants/analogs inclinations. Data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (alpha <0.05). RESULTS: There was significant difference between groups, implant/analog inclinations, and interaction between them (P < 0.05). Group 1 had no significant difference from the control (P > 0.05) nor from group 2 (P > 0.05) regardless implant/analog inclinations. Considering implant/analog inclinations, both techniques did not differ from control group (P > 0.05), except for 75 degrees implant/analog inclinations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that condensation silicone may not be used as an alternative splinting material. Furthermore, implant inclination may affect master cast accuracy.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare 2 splinted impression transfer techniques for implant-supported prostheses. MATERIALS: A metal matrix (control) with 4 implants was used. The implants were positioned at 90, 80, 75, and 65 degrees in relation to the surface of the matrix. Squared impression copings were splinted with self-curing acrylic resin in group 1 (n = 10) and with condensation silicone in group 2 (n = 10). A computer software was used to measure the implants/analogs inclinations. Data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (alpha <0.05). RESULTS: There was significant difference between groups, implant/analog inclinations, and interaction between them (P < 0.05). Group 1 had no significant difference from the control (P > 0.05) nor from group 2 (P > 0.05) regardless implant/analog inclinations. Considering implant/analog inclinations, both techniques did not differ from control group (P > 0.05), except for 75 degrees implant/analog inclinations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that condensation silicone may not be used as an alternative splinting material. Furthermore, implant inclination may affect master cast accuracy.