Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct response regarding the time acrylic self-cure special trays should be allowed to set before taking an impression is that they should be left for 12 hours. This extended time allows for the complete polymerization of the acrylic material, ensuring that it reaches its optimal physical and chemical properties. Proper curing is essential because it maximizes the accuracy and stability of the trays, allowing them to effectively capture the details of the oral structures when the impression is taken.

Inadequate curing time can lead to distortion or failure of the tray during the impression process. This may compromise the fit of the resulting dental prosthesis or appliance. Other proposed waiting times, such as immediately after fabrication, after being left in water for an hour, or waiting an hour before pouring, do not provide sufficient time for the material to fully cure, which can negatively impact the quality and reliability of the impressions taken. Hence, allowing the trays to properly cure for 12 hours before use is critical for ensuring their effectiveness in clinical applications.