Replica techniques for in vivo studies of tooth surfaces and prosthetic materials

In order to obtain a replica technique suitable for a complete or segments of a dental arch two different impression materials were combined with two epoxy resin model materials. The models were examined and photographed in an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. No systematic differences were found between the used combinations of materials except a tendency towards greater contraction of one of the model materials. The A-silicone impression materials combined with one of the epoxy resin material seemed to be the easiest to handle and to give the best models.