Evaluation of the detail reproduction ability of three Type IV dental gypsum products at different storage times: An experimental study

Abstract Introduction: The dimensional accuracy and detail reproduction of dental gypsum products are critical for the precision of dental restorations. This study evaluates and compares the performance of three Type IV dental gypsum materials – Gildent IV (Germany), Snow Rock IV (South Korea), and Snow Teeth IV (Iran) – at various storage intervals. Aims: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the dimensional accuracy and the ability of these gypsum products to reproduce fine details over different storage durations (2 h, 1 day, and 1 week). Materials and Methods: Three Type IV dental gypsum products were selected. A steel die, measuring 45 mm × 45 mm with a height of 20 mm and grooves 0.3 mm deep with 2.5 mm spacing, was used for mold preparation. The gypsum materials were mixed following the manufacturers’ instructions and poured into the die. The molds were allowed to set for 2 h, 1 day, and 1 week. Dimensional changes were measured using a Nikon D5600 camera, and groove spacing was analyzed with Digimizer software. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 22. Results and Discussion: The Gildent IV and Snow Rock IV materials exhibited the least dimensional changes after 2 h of setting, while Snow Teeth IV showed the greatest dimensional shifts after 1 week. Statistically significant differences in dimensional accuracy were found between Gildent IV and Snow Teeth IV, as well as Snow Rock IV and Snow Teeth IV. Dimensional stability decreased over time for all materials, with Gildent IV and Snow Rock IV showing superior fine detail reproduction compared to Snow Teeth IV. Conclusion: Gildent IV and Snow Rock IV demonstrated better dimensional stability and detail reproduction than Snow Teeth IV, particularly after longer storage periods. These results emphasize the importance of selecting the right gypsum material to ensure precise dental restorations.