Miscellaneous Topics

By LMT Communications, Inc.

Posted Apr 28, 2011 in Technical

Q: What are the pros and cons of a custom acrylic tray verses a custom light-cured tray?


A: Custom acrylic trays are relatively inexpensive, and in my opinion, this is their only advantage. The negatives include:



  • The odor of the methylmethacrylate monomer used to fabricate the tray is offensive to most people.


  • Monomer is very tough on your hands and lungs.


  • Most importantly, once fabricated, the completed tray will continue to have polymerization shrinkage over the next 24 hours. If the tray is used within this period, it can cause distortion of the impression.



Light-cured tray blanks are more expensive to purchase and you'll also need to purchase a laboratory light-curing unit to photopolymerize the tray, but I feel this type of tray is far superior, because:



  • The material is odorless.


  • Fabrication is very fast.


  • The tray can be used immediately after curing. All shrinkage...

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  • LMT Communications, Inc.

    LMT Communications delivers the business strategies, information, dental laboratory news and education that dental laboratory decision-makers need to succeed. In Print. In Person. Online.

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