Investigation of dental elastomers as oral mucosa simulant materials.

This is the first study assessing the suitability of dental elastomers as human oral mucosa simulant materials which can be used for in vitro, mathematical modeling and finite element analysis (FEA) to study masticatory force distribution in oral mucosa. Out of 11 studied, six (Vertex Soft, GC heavy and Light body, Molloplast B, Algin X Ultra and Exaclear) dental elastomers showed similar mechanical properties to the Theil embalmed gingival tissues. Vertex Soft, GC Light body, and Molloplast B may be used for the majority of oral mucosal model when considering tensile strength as the primary factor for mechanical stimulation.