Wettability of elastomeric impression materials: A comparative study of two measures

Abstract

The contact angle of a substrate formed against the surface of dental impression materials has been an established measure of surface wettability. However, experimental bias can arise from using the various substrates. This study considered the use of critical convergence angle as a measure of surface wettability of five elastomeric impression materials and compared its merits to using contact angles. The number of voids presenting at margins and line angles of stone dies formed the basis for evaluating the two measures of wettability. Critical convergence angle was found to be positively correlated to the number of voids as well as to the contact angle formed against the five impression materials. This positive and significant relationship implies the validity of critical convergence angle as an alternative measure of surface wettability of elastomeric impression materials.