The Effect of Adding Silica Nanoparticles on the Compressive Strength and the Dimensional Accuracy of Type IV Dental Stone

Background Considering the need for high compressive strength and dimensional accuracy in dental casts, these properties were investigated in this study by adding silica nanoparticles to dental type IV stone (plaster). Materials and Methods In this in vitro study, silica nanoparticles with percentages of 0.5, 1, and 2% were added to the plaster powder. Dental plaster without silica nanoparticles was used as a control group. The prepared samples were examined in terms of compressive strength properties and dimensional accuracy (dimensional changes). A universal testing machine was used to check the compressive strength, and a stereomicroscope was used to check the dimensional accuracy. Results The addition of silica nanoparticles to the plaster increases the dimensional accuracy, which requires at least 1% silica nanoparticles for this increase (P<0.05). Adding the silica nanoparticles had no significant effect on the compressive strength compared to the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion The addition of silica nanoparticles to dental plaster Type IV at low concentrations can be considered in dentistry to increase dimensional accuracy without negative effects on compressive strength.