Impression Material Wettability — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateDental MaterialsImpression Material WettabilityMFDS Part 1

During laboratory comparison of elastomeric impression materials, a standardised water droplet is placed on the surface of each material. Which finding indicates the greatest wettability?

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Correct answer: A — The lowest contact angle between the water droplet and the material surface

The correct answer is A. Wettability is assessed by the contact angle formed where a liquid droplet meets the impression-material surface. A small contact angle means that the liquid spreads across the surface rather than remaining as a rounded droplet, indicating greater hydrophilicity and better wettability. This favours adaptation to moist surfaces and accurate surface reproduction. Tear strength concerns resistance to tearing during removal, while strain in compression describes rigidity or flexibility under load. Dimensional change assesses dimensional stability after setting, and working time describes the period during which the material remains manipulable. None of these properties directly quantifies wettability.

Reference: Kostić M et al. Evaluation of Elastomeric Impression Materials' Hydrophilicity: An in vitro Study. 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34658372/