Silicone impression technique for proper-fitting mandibular complete dentures

Abstract

A study was conducted to clarify the evaluation criteria for the success or failure of silicone impressions in the fabrication of mandibular full dentures provided that the objective of the final impression is to obtain sound fit with the crest of the mandible and surrounding tissues. The evaluation criteria were set based on three characteristic findings from the fitting test on the mucosal surface of the stable, functioning mandibular full dentures. Impressions with a single silicone impression material were considered the most suitable for the ease of evaluation of the impression surface, and the impression method of the Biofunctional Prosthetic System (BPS) was used as a control. The results showed that single-layer impressions tended to be undermaintained, and the denture border design of individual trays was important to compensate for this. We also found that the evaluability of the impression surface was improved by medium-flowing silicone impression material and by considering the color compatibility of the silicone and the personal tray. The present study concluded that practicing a single-layer impression with a single silicone impression material using an individual tray made in accordance with the mandibular suction mechanism would lead to a sound fit by fullfilling the three characteristics through the use of adaptive testing during the entire denture manufacturing process.