By

Dr. RASHID HASSAN

 INTRODUCTION

 Also called as Rubber Base Impression

materials.
 Elastomers are rubber like material with long
chained polymers, slightly crosslinked &
coiled having glass transition temperature
much lower than room temperatures.
 Accepted in dentistry to overcome 2 main
problems associated with Hydrocolloids
 Poor tear resistance
 Poor dimensional stability
 INTRODUCTION

 Contain large molecules having weak interaction

among them.
 Tied together at certain points forming 3
dimensional network.
 On mixing with a suitable catalyst, liquid polymer is
converted into elastic rubber through addition or
condensation polymerization reaction.
 Stress application (stretching) causes the chains to
uncoil and removal of stress relaxes the chains back
to entangled state.
 GENERAL PROPERTIES OF
ELASTOMERS
1) Excellent reproduction of fine details (especially
low viscosity elastomers).
2) Generally hydrophobic (polyether is hydrophilic).
3) Excellent elastic properties but incomplete elastic
recovery.
4) High coefficient of thermal expansion.
5) Excellent tear strength.
6) Electroplating can be done (Copper or silver plated)
7) Shelf life is approximately 2 years (cool conditions
increases shelf life).
 GENERAL PROPERTIES OF
ELASTOMERS
8) Dimensional changes occur.
Due to
a) Curing shrinkage.
b) Loss of by products.
c) Incomplete elastic recovery.
d) Amount of filler content
(less filler = more shrinkage)
(More filler = Less shrinkage)
e) Polyether (being hydrophilic) absorbs water &
loose soluble plasticizers causes dimensional change.
f) Thermal contraction when transferred from mouth
to room temperature.
g) Time of pouring impression.
 CLASSIFICATION
OF
IMPRESSION MATERIALS
 ELASTOMERS
 Elastomers are of 3 types
1) POLYSULPHIDE
2) SILICONES
a) Addition Silicones
b) Condensation Silicones.
3) POLYETHERS
a) Light activated polyethers.
b) Chemically activated polyethers.
 POLYSULPHIDE
 First elastomeric
impression material to be
introduced.
 Alternate names:
a) Thiokol impression
material (By the name
of first manufacturer)
b) Marcaptan impression
material (by chemistry)
c) Vulcanising impression
material (by processing
terminology)
 COMPOSITION OF POLYSULPHIDE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
BASE PASTE

INGREDIENTS PERCENTAGE FUNCTION

Polysulphide pre 74-80% Reactive ingredient
polymer with terminal forming rubber
SH group
Polysulphide 2% Reduces permanent
prepolymer with deformation during
pendant SH group removal from mouth.
Fillers 16% Paste former
Di butyl Phthlate 0.5% Plasticizer
COMPOSITION OF POLYSULPHIDE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
REACTOR/ACCELERATOR
PASTE

INGREDIENTS PERCENTAGE FUNCTION

PbO2 (Lead dioxide) 78% Oxidizing agent
causing polymerization
Sulphur 0.5-3.0% Facilitate reaction
Inert oil (oleic oil, Traces Pate former
stearic acid)
Dibutyl phthalate 17% To form paste with
PbO2 and Sulphur.
 PROPERTIES OF POLYSULPHIDE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
BIOLOGICAL:
1) Non toxic, non poisonous.
2) Bad odor due to lead dioxide & Marcaptan group.
3) Easy to disinfect (glutaraldeihyde)
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES:
1) Available in variety of viscosities (Light, Regular,
Heavy, Putty)
2) Working time = 3-6 min
3) Setting time = 10-20 min.
 PROPERTIES OF POLYSULPHIDE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES:
1) Highly flexible of all the elastomers.
2) Elastic recovery improves with time
(viscoelasticity).
3) High tear strength.
4) Not dimensionally stable
Cast should be poured immediately.
1) Hardness increases by increasing filler content.
 POLYSULPHIDE IMPRESSION
MATERIAL
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1) Longer working time. 1) Unpleasant odor and
2) Highest flexibility. taste.
3) Highest tear strength. 2) Long setting time.
4) Can be electroplated 3) Dimensional change
with silver. due to byproduct
5) Long shelf life. formation.
6) Inexpansive as 4) Cloth staining.
compared to other 5) Multiple die pouring
elastomers. not accurate.
USED TO RECORD IMPRESSIONS FOR CROWNS,
BRIDGES, INLAYS, ONLAYS AND PARTIAL DENTURES
 CONDENSATION SILICONE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
 Earlier of the two
silicone impression
materials to be
introduced.
 Alternate names:
1) Conventional
silicones.
2) Room temperature
vulcanizing (RTV)
silicones.
COMPOSITION OF CONDENSATION
SILICONE IMPRESSION MATERIAL
BASE PASTE

INGREDIENTS FUNCTION
Hydroxy terminal polydimethyl For undergoing polymerization &
siloxane cross linking to form rubber.
Fillers 1) Paste former.
(copper carbonate, colloidal silica. 2) Increases strength.
3) Gives body to the mix.
 COMPOSITION OF CONDENSATION
SILICONE IMPRESSION MATERIAL
REACTOR/ACCELERATOR
PASTE
INGREDIENTS FUNCTIONS
Tri or tetra functional ethyl silicate. Cross linking agent.
Tin Octate. Catalyst.
Fillers. Paste former.
Color pigments. To distinguish from base paste.
PROPERTIES OF CONDENSATION
SILICONE IMPRESSION MATERIAL
BIOLOGICAL:
1) Non toxic.
2) Acceptable taste and odour.
3) Proper mixing is required to prevent accelerator
paste from coming in contact with the oral tissues.
RHEOLOGICAL:
1) Available in all 4 consistencies (L,R,H,P)
2) Flow after 1 hour = 0.09%
3) Mixing time = 1 min
4) Working time =3 min
5) Setting time = 6-10 min
 PROPERTIES OF CONDENSATION
SILICONE IMPRESSION MATERIAL
MECHANICAL:
1) Elastic recovery = 99.5%
2) Good tear strength.
3) Flexibility is less than Polysulphides.
4) Dimensionally not stable:
Due to
a) Polymerization shrinkage.
b) Incomplete elastic recovery.
c) Thermal contraction on removal from mouth to
room temperature.
CONDENSATION SILICONE IMPRESSION
MATERIAL
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1) Adequate working time 1) Lower flexibility than
& setting time. polysulphides.
2) Clean & pleasant odour. 2) Poor dimensional stability
due to release of by
3) No staining. products.
4) Adequate tear strength. 3) Less accuracy if poured
immediately.
5) Better elastic
4) Hydrophobic nature.
properties.
5) Poor to adequate shelf life (1-
6) Can be electroplated 2 years)
with silver and copper. 6) Slightly expansive.
USED TO RECORD IMPRESSIONS FOR CROWNS,
BRIDGES, INLAYS, ONLAYS AND COMPLETE
DENTURES
 ADDITION SILICONE IMPRESSION
MATERIAL
 Introduced later.
 Have much better
properties than
Condensation
silicones.
 Alternate names:
1) Poly vinyl siloxane.
2) Vinyl poly siloxane.
COMPOSITION OF ADDITION SILICONE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
BASE PASTE

INGREDIENTS FUNCTIONS
Poly methyl hydrogen Takes part in the
siloxane or moderately polymerization
low molecular weight reaction
silicone pre polymer
with silane terminal
group
Reinforced fillers • Controls the
(Powdered silica) viscosity of the set
material.
• Modifies the
physical properties.
COMPOSITION OF ADDITION SILICONE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
REACTOR/ACCELERATOR
PASTE
INGREDIENTS
Poly di methyl vinyl siloxane or
moderately low molecular weight
silicone prepolymer with vinyl terminal
group
Reinforced fillers
(Powdered silica)
Chloroplatinic acid
Low molecular weight liquid polymer
Finely divided platinum or palladium
Colour pigments
FUNCTIONS
• Main reactive agent
• Takes part in the chemical reaction
• Pate former
• Increases strength
• Gives body to the mixture
• Modifies physical properties
• Controls viscosity
Acts as a catalyst
• Acts as a retarder
• Controls working & setting times
Acts as a scavenger for H2 gas
To distinguish from base paste
PROPERTIES OF ADDITION SILICONE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
BIOLOGICAL:
1) Highly biocompatible with oral tissues.
2) Acceptable colour and taste.
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES:
1) Available in all 4 consistencies.
2) Various consistencies serve different purpose
E.g.
Putty or heavy body is used for primary impressions
Regular or light body is used for secondary impressions.
1) Addition silicone impression materials exhibit
pseudoplastic properties.
PROPERTIES OF ADDITION SILICONE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES:
1) Excellent elastic recovery of 99.93%
2) Permanent deformation of 0.07%
3) Tear strength of3500 gm/cm
4) Flexibility is 3%
5) Flow after 1 hour is <0.05%
6) Mixing time is 35-45 sec
7) Working time = 2-3 min.
8) Setting time = 6-8 min.
 ADDITION SILICONE IMPRESSION
MATERIAL
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Records highly accurate
impression.  More expansive with
 Pleasant to handle. automatic mixing device.
 Acceptable taste.  Shorter working time.
 Shorter setting time.  May release H2 gas on
 Excellent elastic recovery. setting.
 No elimination of any by  Hydrophobic material.
products.
 Dimensionally stable.
USED TO RECORD IMPRESSIONS FOR
 Can be electroplated with
CROWNS, BRIDGES, INLAYS, ONLAYS,
silver & copper. PARTIAL AND COMPLETE DENTURES
 Multiple die pour is possible.
POLYETHER IMPRESSION MATERIAL
 Polyether was introduced in
Germany in 1960.
 Commercial names are,
Impregum, Remitec, Polyjel
etc.
 Polyether is available in 3
viscosities (Light, Regular
and heavy body)
 Dispensed as 3 paste system
1) Base paste.
2) Reactor/Accelerator
paste.
3) Modifier (thinner) paste.
 COMPOSITION OF POLYETHER
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
BASE PASTE

INGREDIENTS FUNCTIONS
Imine terminated poly Undergoes cross linking to
ether or moderately low form rubber
molecular weight
polyether with ethylene
imine ring as terminal
group.
Colloidal silica Fillers
Glycol ether phthallate Plasticizers
COMPOSITION OF POLYETHER
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
REACTOR/ACCELERATOR
PASTE
INGREDIENTS FUNSTIONS
Ester derivative of aromatic Cross linking agent.
sulphonic acid.
Colloidal silica. Filler.
Glycol ether phthallate Plasticizer.

BODY MODIFIER
PASTE
INGREDIENT FUNCTION
Octyl phthallate (thinner) + • It reduces the stiffness /
5% methyl cellulose viscosity of the material
• Gives more working time
(retarder)
 PROPERTIES OF POLY ETHER
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
BIOLOGICAL:
1) Non toxic.
2) Non poisonous.
3) Can cause irritation due to presence of aromatic
sulphonic acid catalyst in reactor paste.
4) Can cause hypersensitivity in some patients due to
presence of ethylene imine rings in base paste.
RHEOLOGICAL:
1) Available in 3 consistencies (L,R & Heavy body)
2) Flow after 1 hour is < 0.03%
 PROPERTIES OF POLY ETHER
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
MECHANICAL:
1) Elastic recovery =98.9%
2) Permanent deformation is 1.1%
3) Flexibility is low (2%
4) Mixing time is 45 sec to 1 minute.
5) Working time = 2 minutes.
6) Setting time is 3-5 minutes.
7) Good dimensional stability due to
a) Addition polymerization reaction.
b) Less polymerization shrinkage.
 POLY ETHER IMPRESSION MATERIAL
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Good pseudoplastic properties  Very expansive when
i.e. same mixture can be used as compared with other
tray as well as syringe material. elastomers.
 Dimensionally stable.  High stiffness.
 Less polymerization shrinkage.  Low tear strength.
 No by product formed.  Electroplating not easy.
 Pour more accurate cats.  Catalyst can be sensitive to
 Multiple cast pouring is some patients.
possible.
 Not available in complete
 Cast pouring can be delayed for range of viscosities.
few hours, even a week.
 Long shelf life. USED TO RECORD IMPRESSIONS FOR
CROWNS, BRIDGES, INLAYS, ONLAYS,
PARTIAL AND COMPLETE DENTURES
 LIGHT ACTIVATED
POLY ETHER IMPRESSION MATERIAL
 It was introduced in 1988.
 Available in 2 viscosities.
 Light body supplied in syringes.
 Heavy body supplied as tubes
COMPOSITION OF LIGHT ACTIVATED POLYETHER
INGREDIENT FUNCTION
Urethane di methacrylate Visible light curing polyether
elastomer resin
Champhorquinone Photo initiator
Di methyl amino ethyl meth Photo accelerator
acrylate
Silicone dioxide Fillers
 LIGHT ACTIVATED
POLY ETHER IMPRESSION MATERIAL
PROPERTIES OF LIGHT
ACTIVATED POLY ETHER
• Excellent elasticity.
• It has operator control
over the
polymerization.
• Infinite working time.
• Short setting time.
• Low volume shrinkage
on setting.
• Impression can be
stored upto 2 weeks.
 MIXING
SYSTEMS FOR
ELASTOMERS
MIXING SYSTEMS FOR ELASTOMERS

MIXING SYSTEMS:
3 types of systems are available to mix
catalyst and base thoroughly.
1. Static mixing system.
2. Auto mixing system.
3. Dynamic mechanical mixing system.
MIXING SYSTEMS FOR ELASTOMERS
STATIC MIXING SSTEM:
1. Impression pastes are
dispensed from collapsible
tubes.
2. Equal lengths of catalyst and
base paste are dispensed on
a paper pad.
3. Initial mixing is
accomplished with a circular
motion.
4. Final mixing is done with
broad strokes of spatula.
5. Final mix should be smooth.
6. Mixing is readily
accomplished in 45 seconds.
 All 4 types of elastomers are
available for mixing in this
fashion.
MIXING SYSTEMS FOR ELASTOMERS
AUTO MIXING SYSTEM:
1. Very popular means for
mixing catalyst and base.
2. Base and catalyst are in
separate cylinders of
plastic cartridge.
3. Cartridge is placed in
mixing gun containing 2
plungers.
4. Equal quantities of base
and catalyst are forced
through static mixing tip.
5. The tip contains
stationary internal plastic
spiral to fold both the
components over each
other to get a uniform mix
at the end of the tip.
6. The first part of mix
should be discarded for a
uniform consistency.
7. Mixed material can be
extruded directly either into an
injection syringe or impression
tray.
8. Intra-oral injection tips can be
placed at the end of static
mixing tip.
 9. Material left at the tip gets
wasted.(1-2mL).3-4 times less
waste as compared to hand
mix.
Silicones (both addition &
condensation) and Poly ethers are
available with this means of mixing.
MIXING SYSTEMS FOR ELASTOMERS
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL MIXING
SYSTEM:
1. Newest system.
Catalyst and base are supplied in
large plastic bags, housed in a
cartridge.
2. Cartridge is inserted into the
top of mixing machine.
3. A new plastic mixing tip is
placed on the front.
4. On pressing the button,
parallel plungers push against
the plastic bags, thus opening
the bag.
5. Material is forced into the
dynamic mixing tip.
6. Mixing tip differs from that of
Automixing. (internal spiral is
motor driven i.e. it rotates with
speed )
7. Mixing is accomplished by
rotation + forward motion of
material through spiral.
8. Helpful technique for mixing
highly viscous materials.
(Polyether and addition silicone are
available for mixing with this
system)
9. Advantages are ease of use,
speed and thoroughness of mixing.
10. Disadvantage is cost of the
system.
Slightly more material is retained at the
tip than Auto mixing but still less
wastage as compared to hand mixing.
IMPRESSION
TECHNIQUES
FOR
ELASTOMERS
 IMPRESSION TECHNIQUES FOR
ELASTOMERS
SINGLE VISCOSITY
TECHNIQUE (Monophase):
1. Often taken with
medium viscosity
material.
2. When forced through
impression syringe, the
viscosity decreases but
when used with tray the
viscosity is unaffected.
3. Addition silicones and
Poly ethers are well
suited for this technique.
 IMPRESSION TECHNIQUES FOR
ELASTOMERS
DUAL VISCOSITY
TECHNIQUE
(Simultaneous or multiple
mix technique):
Low consistency (viscosity)
material is injected with a
syringe into and around the
critical areas and a high
consistence (viscosity)
material is mixed and
placed in the tray.
 Both materials bind,
join and set together.
 IMPRESSION TECHNIQUES FOR
ELASTOMERS
PUTTY WASH TECHNIQUE:
1. 2 step impression
procedure.
2. Preliminary impression is
taken in high or putty
consistency material before
cavity preparation.
3. Cavity is prepared.
4. Low consistency material is
syringed into the prepared
cavity.
5. Preliminary impression is
then reinserted.
6. The low & high consistency
materials bind. Technique developed for condensation
7. When low viscosity silicone to minimize dimensional
material sets the changes.
impression is removed.