The Technique and Material Used to Join Transfers Affect the Accuracy and Final Fit of Implant-Supported Prostheses—In Vitro Study

Abstract

Objectives This study evaluated the linear dimensional change of polymerization of three materials and two techniques of the union of molding transfers for implant-supported prostheses used in the open-tray technique. Materials and Methods A nylon maxilla-shaped matrix was made, two osseous integrated implants were installed, and, over these two, straight conical mini-pillars were installed. Open-tray impression transfers were attached to the mini-pillars, and a silicone guide was made to standardize the connections between the transfers. The samples were divided into six groups (n = 20): PA (Pattern Resin LS, chemically activated acrylic resin in the single step technique); DU (Durallay, chemically activated acrylic resin in the single step technique); BI (Protemp4, bisacrylic resin in the single step technique); PAC (Pattern Resin LS in sectioning and joining of segments technique); DUC (Durallay, in sectioning and joining of segments technique); and BIC (Protemp4, in sectioning and joining of segments technique). The linear dimensional change values that occurred among these transfers were measured in a profile projector (VB300; Starret) coupled to the Quadra Check device, with a resolution of 0.001 mm, performed by a single calibrated operator. Statistical Analysis Data were submitted to a two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p < 0.01). Results Statistically significant mean values were found in all comparisons. The PA showed the lowest mean values (µm) of linear dimensional change, both in the single-step technique and in the sectioning and joining technique, in the following order: BI 255.73 (3.81), DU 173.75 (2.30), PA 95.97 (3.20), BIC 23.82 (1.71), DUC 20.85 (2.53), and PAC 13.27 (2.09). The single-step technique showed the worst results, regardless of the material. Conclusion The sectioning and joining technique reduced the dimensional change in all materials, and the Pattern Resin LS showed the lowest shrinkage mean values, followed by Durallay and Protemp4.