A rapid scanning electron microscopic replication technique for clinical studies of dental restorations

Abstract A technique is described for the rapid and reliable production of replicas of dental restorations for examination with the scanning electron microscope. The technique makes use of the silicone rubber Xantopren blue and the epoxy resin Stycast 1266. A negative replica is made with the silicone rubber and from this negative a positive is made using the epoxy resin. The technique appears to be suited for high resolution (0.3 μm) analysis of the surface structure of tooth restorations on the condition that the surface to be replicated is sufficiently clean and dry.