Effects of Chayote Sap on Dimensional Stabilty of Alginate

Objective: Alginate is an irreversible impression material that is cost-effective and indispensable. But it undergoes shrinkage and swelling. The researchers interest was to look into the chayote(Sechium edule) fruit sap which exudes a clear sticky fluid. If the sap coating property may free the object from exposure to the elements of environment particularly air and water. The purpose of the study was to look into the dimensional stability of the alginate impression materials with and without chayote sap coating. Methods: Two (Replica and Kromatica) irreversible impression materials were used and compared. Each material was divided into three groups (Control, Humidor, and Experimental). The width, height and weight of the impressions were measured at intervals of 30 minutes, 1 hour and 2 hours. Results: After 30 minutes, smaller dimensional change in width and height but not in weight was found in Sample 1 (Replica)-Group1 (Control), with reference to Sample 2 (Kromatica)- Group 1. After 1 hour, less dimensional change in all measurements occurred in Sample 1- Groups 1 and 2 (Humidor) compared to Sample 2-Groups 1 and 2 while Sample 1-Group 3 (Experimental) and Sample 2 –Group 3 exhibit no dimensional changes in all measurements. At 2 hrs, Sample 2 - Groups 1-3 showed less dimensional change, while Sample 1 remained no change in weight. Conclusion: Alginate impressions should be poured immediately for accuracy, but with the application of the chayote sap on alginate impression, pouring could be delayed with minimal dimensional changes.