Abstract
Surface detail reproducibility of the indirect models made by the combination of various impression and cast materials was evaluated using both original models having the fine cut lines, and several knoop or micro-vickers indentations. The results obtained were as follows. 1. Modern elastmeric impressions were excellent in their reproducibility of both the fine line and the small indentations in the combination with any cast materials. However, a newly developed siliconised alginate and the conventional alginates were definitely inferior. Agar or agar-alginate combined impressions showed great difference in the ability to reproduce the fine surface details depending on the cast materials poured. 2. Crystal morphology such as the shape, particle size and void spaces among crystals, would greatly affect the surface characteristics of indirect models. 3. The indentation pattern reproduction test could more clearly demonstrate minute detail with SEM images than the fine line reproduction test.
