Die and Die Materials

Making an impression and pouring are critical steps in the process of producing successful crowns and bridges in oral rehabilitation, and the dimensional stability of impressions, models and dates are important factors in these processes. What is a die? A die is positive reproduction of form of prepared tooth in any suitable hard substance, usually in metal or specifically prepared (improved) artificial stone. (Mosby's dictionary). In dentistry, die is very significant owing to its use in studying and working models. Dental models are subjected to constant handling, and hence, they must be fracture resistant for safe laboratory procedures. The surface properties of the die stone influence its ability to tolerate all type of forces during a restoration. The various die materials that are available at present are gypsum, epoxy resin,polyurethane resins, resin modified gypsum, electroformed dies etc.