Dimensional changes in dental plaster during the setting process.
The authors, using an NIN apparatus, examined the dimensional changes occurring in dental plaster during the setting process from its slurry state immediately after being mixed to its solid state, and the following results were obtained : 1) Linear shrinkage that can be seen in the initial stage of the setting process shows a tendency to become larger when the water/powder ratio is increased, and the length of the specimen is shorter. 2) Expansion initiation time shows a tendency to be quickened when the water/powder ratio is reduced, but little difference due to the length of the specimen is recognizable. 3) The apparent linear expansion shows a tendency to become larger when the water/powder ratio is smaller, and when the length of the specimen is shorter. 4) Velocity (time constant) from the beginning of expansion to the maximum expansion is almost constant, being little influenced by the water/powder ratio and the length of the specimen.
Development of measurement apparatus for expansion and shrinkage during setting, using a non-contact micro displacement meter.
Dental plaster and investment are used after being mixed with water or another liquid. Therefore, when they start setting, their condition changes from fluid to non-fluid. In other words, for some time after they are mixed with water or liquid, they look slurry, but as soon as setting begins they cease to be slurry and become solid, while at the same time they start expanding. In order to measure the dimensional change of this kind of material at the time of setting, it is preferable to measure it automatically under a loadless, non-contact condition immediately after it is mixed with water until the time when it has become solid. The conventional apparatus used for this purpose includes the following: comparator [1-4], micrometer microscope [5-8], dialgauge micrometer [1,2,7-20], straingauge extensometer [21,22], cathetometer & photographing [23], electromicrometer [24-28], micro-displacement meter [29-31], optomicrometer [32], etc. However, none of these seem to satisfy, in the strictest sense, the exact measuring condition stated above. Therefore we, the authors of this report, thought of pursuing and examining the actual dimensional change occurring in the mixture of plaster and investment from its slurry to solid condition at the time of setting. First of all, we tried to develop a kind of measuring apparatus which would fit the purpose of our research. We test-developed and examined the automatic measuring apparatus with a built-in, non-contact micro-displacement meter, which we named "NIN Setting Expansion and Shrinkage Apparatus" (which hereinafter we shall call "NIN Apparatus" for short). We actually used this test-developed NIN Apparatus by using for material the
Physical properties of gypsum model investments.
An investigation of the physical properties of six commercial model investments (the same as those investigated 15 years ago by Hunter) showed that particle size, setting time and compressive strength of all the investments were satisfactory. As to thermal expansion, all but one of the six investments met the requirements of the American Dental Association Specification No. 2 for inlay investment. The tendency during the past 15 years appears to be for an increased strength and thermal expansion of the model investments with a reduction in setting time.