Effects of reheating on the accuracy of addition silicone putty-wash impressions.

The effect of the relatively high thermal contraction of addition silicones (polyvinylsiloxane) on the accuracy of stone casts was evaluated using the putty/wash relining impression technique and acrylic resin trays. Impressions were made at 37 degrees C and were divided into two groups. One group was poured at room temperature (22 degrees +/- 2 degrees C) and another group was reheated to 37 degrees C before pouring. Measurement of the dimensional changes failed to reveal improved accuracy of the stone casts poured at the same temperature as that reached during impression making. On the basis of this limited sample, it can be concluded that reheating the impression using the putty/wash relining technique did not improve the accuracy of the stone cast.