Have you turned on the heat in your office yet? If you are like us, you have switched from air conditioning to heat and back again in a 24 hour time period. Did you know that swings in temperature have a profound effect on your impression material?
PVS impression materials are designed to work at 72°F. Operatory room air temperature and material storage temperature affects the working and setting times.
For every degree warmer than 72°F.
Material loses 3-5 seconds in working and setting times.
- Causes incomplete capture of prep, sulcus, opposing dentition, and/or undefinable margins.
- Possible results include missed or short margins, air bubbles, tight fitting crowns, and tight
contacts.
For every degree colder than 72°F
Material needs additional 3-5 seconds in working and setting times.
- Causes heavy and/or light body not to fully cure.
- Possible results include pulls that lead to missed or short margins, elongation of the prep, and ill-fitting crowns.
Keep materials in a temperature-controlled environment.
Keep a temperature gauge with material before use:
If above 72°F, subtract 3-5 seconds per degree for working and setting times.
If below 72°F, add 3-5 seconds per degree to allow full curing.
Need a temperature gauge? Send us an email at dps@dpsdental.com and we will send you a DPS thermometer like the one shown above. (One to an office please.)
Get more tips from 3M’s Impression Troubleshooting Guide.
Please note a new 3M Impression Troubleshooting Guide is now available online here: http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/201647O/making-better-impressions-troubleshooting-guide.pdf