Water absorption and solubility of coated and non–coated silicone–based permanent soft liner
Abstract
AIMS: To determine the period that a new generation of silicone-based, chairside, permanent soft liner resist absorption and solubility and determine the effect of coating material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of (Mucopren soft) soft liner were prepared, stored in water, and tested after 1 , 2 , 3 , and 8 months. Half of the specimens were coated with coating material supplied by the manufacturer and the other half remained uncoated. Silica gel was used for drying and sensitive electronic balance was used for weighing specimens. Universal formulas were used for calculating water absorption and solubility. T-test and ANOVA followed by Duncan multiple range test were used to determine the significant difference at P<0.05 level. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between coated and noncoated soft liners in relation to water absorption and solubility. There was no statistically significant difference in water absorption and solubility when comparing it among the periods of testing from the first month to the eighth month. Coating the soft liner decreases the percentage absorption and solubility of the silicone soft liner but this effect is statistically not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Mucopren softlining material has proved excellent resistance to solubility for a long period (8 months). Water absorption is limited and is clinically accepted. Coating (Mu-open soft) soft liner with coating material slightly improves the resistance to water absorption and solubility.
