Objectives: The purpose was to measure the dimensional stability over time and mechanical properties of alginate substitutes and an alginate. Methods: Specimens of four addition silicone alginate substitutes (Alginot, AG; Position Penta Quick, PPQ; Silgimix, SI; Status Blue, SB) and alginate (Jeltrate Plus, JP) were prepared for flexibility (E) and elastic recovery (K) according to ISO 1563 for alginates and 4823 for elastomers. Specimens for tear energy (TE) were prepared according to the Weber and Ryge method. Specimens for dimensional change (DC) were prepared using an ADA detail reproduction die for measurements at 5 minutes, and 24, 48 and 120 hours. Mechanical properties were tested at 5 minutes on a testing machine (Instron). Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and means were compared by Fisher's PLSD intervals at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: Means with standard deviations in parentheses (n=5) are listed. Means with the same superscripted letters within each property were not statistically different.
Product E, % K, % TE, J/m2 DC -120 h, %
ISO 1563 ISO 4823 ISO 1563 ISO 4823
AG 6.8 (0.7)ab 6.6 (0.4)b 98.6 (0.1)a 95.8 (0.5) 748 (38)a -0.08
PPQ 5.8 (0.2) 5.4 (0.4) 99.6 (0.0)b 99.3 (0.1) 1470 (180) 0.00
SI 6.4 (0.6)a 9.2 (0.7) 98.5 (0.0)a 96.7 (0.2) 617 (39)b 0.00
SB 7.6 (0.2)c 7.7 (0.6)c 99.7 (0.1)bc 99.6 (0.1)c 699 (67)ab -0.08
JP 16.9 (0.9) -- 97.4 (0.5) -- 99 (33) -1.44
Conclusions: Alginate substitutes had less flexibility, higher elastic recovery, higher tear energy, and better dimensional stability over 120 hours than an alginate. Elastic recovery of the alginate substitutes was higher when tested according to ISO 1563 for alginates. Supported in part by 3M ESPE, Dentsply Caulk, SDS Kerr, Sultan, and Zenith Dental.