Evaluation of Impression Making for Fixed Prostheses among Dental Practitioners in Myanmar; A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Dental prostheses are fabricated on the casts poured from the impression of prepared tooth surfaces. Obtaining an accurate impression is the first and foremost crucial step for fixed prostheses fabrication. Among various impression materials, alginate has been used for a long time for removable prosthodontic cases. However, alginate is not sufficiently accurate and less dimensionally stable for precisely fitting restorations in contrast to elastomers. Although variety of elastomers have been marketed in Myanmar, many clinicians may still be using alginate which is readily available, easier to manipulate and less expensive for all prosthodontic cases. This study was aimed to explore the proportion of clinicians using elastomers for fixed prostheses and to determine possible factors related to not using elastomers in general practice. Cross-sectional observational study was performed by collecting data through an online survey method. Pre-structured questionnaires created with google forms were sent to practitioners with Facebook Messenger. Chi-square test was used for association of choice of impression materials with location and clinical experience. In our study, 330 forms were sent out to practitioners and turnout was 179 (response rate was 54.24%). Among them, 78.2%, 16.2% and 5.6% of responses were from urban, suburban and rural areas respectively. 60.9%, 24.6% and 14.5% were practitioners with experiences of 5-15years, <5years and >15years respectively. The results showed that 45.3% used alginate materials while 54.7% used elastomeric material for fixed prosthodontics cases. Among the alginate users, reasons for not using elastomeric materials were 48% for ‘cost’, 25% for ‘inadequate training and knowledge about impression materials’, 11% for ‘cost’ as well as ‘inadequate training and knowledge’. However, 6% chose multiple mixed responses while 10% did not give any response. Considerable proportion of clinicians are still using alginate for fixed prostheses. In addition to the cost of elastomers, having insufficient knowledge and training is possible reason for not using them.