ALGINATE.

IMPRESSION PASTE

DISCUSSION POINTS

Vocabulary

undercut /ˌʌndəˈkʌt/ - a space formed by the removal or absence of material from the lower part of
something;
translucent /tranzˈluːs(ə)nt/- allowing light, but not detailed shapes, to pass through; semi-transparent;
petroleum jelly - a translucent jelly consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons, used as a lubricant or
ointment;
eugenol /ˈjuːdʒɪnɒl/- a colourless or pale yellow liquid compound present in oil of cloves and other essential
oils and used in perfumery;
thereof /ðɛːrˈɒv/- of the thing just mentioned; of that;
liable- /ˈlʌɪəb(ə)l/- likely to do or to be something;
inconvenience /ɪnkənˈviːnɪəns/- the state or fact of being troublesome or difficult with regard to one's
personal requirements or comfort;
staple /ˈsteɪp(ə)l/- a piece of thin wire with two short right-angled end pieces which are driven by a stapler
through sheets of paper to fasten them together;
mold /məʊld/ -a hollow container used to give shape to molten or hot liquid material when it cools and
hardens;
dip/dɪp/- to put something quickly into a liquid and take it out again;
trim /trɪm/-to make something neater, smaller, better, etc., by cutting parts from it;
blade /bleɪd/- the flat part of a knife, tool or machine, which has a sharp edge or edges for cutting.

READING AND WRITING

 ALGINATE. IMPRESSION PASTE
Alginate dental impression materials were introduced in 1940. Since then they have been used extensively in
Dentistry as one of the group of so-called ‘elastic’ impression materials, with well documented advantages and
disadvantages. They have also found application in ophthalmic surgery and in measuring wound size in general
surgery. Alginate is classified as irreversible hydrocolloid. It is hydrocolloid because it consists of particles of
a gelatinous (colloidal) state in water (hydro);  and irreversible because once it has jelled it cannot be returned
to a liquid solution. It is supplied in powder form and mixed with water. When set, the material is a flexible gel
resembling rubber.The impression is made directly in the patient’s mouth producing a negative replica, then
poured in dental stone,  producing a positive cast. These materials are elastic enough to be withdrawn from the
undercuts without permanent deformation or distortion. It is extremely accurate in tissue details when handled
properly.
The dental alginate impression material includes one which is usually provided in the form of a powder
containing an alginate, a gelling reaction material, a gelling adjustment material and a filler as major
components and is set by mixing with water during the use; and one which is provided in the form of two types
of pastes, i.e., a main paste and a setting paste, and is set by mixing these pastes during the use.
Pasty alginate impression material, usually, the main paste is constructed of a paste prepared by dissolving an
alginate in water and adding a filler as a component for imparting shaping properties and hardness to the
solution; and the setting paste is constructed of a paste comprising a mixture of calcium sulfate, as setting
materials for the alginate, and a liquid substance such as liquid paraffin. These pasty alginate impression
materials are easy for mixing, and can be continuously mixed and extruded by using an exclusive instrument.
Accordingly, they are very convenient for dentists or hygienists and are frequently used. However, the currently
used pasty alginate impression material are poor in preservability. Further, the main paste thereof is remarkable
in change of the viscosity with time, and the setting paste thereof is liable to cause separation between calcium
sulfate and the liquid component. As a result, when the main paste is mixed with the setting paste, the mixture
is liable to become poor, whereby inconvenience arises such that an accurate impression cannot be obtained. In
addition, in the case where the viscosity changes, the fluidity of the mixed material also changes. As a result,
there are inconveniences such that a minute impression cannot be taken or that dropping of the paste occurs in
the depth of the throat. Moreover, the setting paste is remarkable in deterioration with time, and the setting time
is delayed. As a result, it is not set within a usual holding time in the mouth, leading to causing an incomplete
impression.
Alginate is one of the most frequently used dental materials; and alginate impression is a simple, cost-
effective, and indispensable part of dental practice. Yet very few people can make alginate impressions just
right the first time. For many years, alginate impression material has been a staple of most dental practices.
Alginate advantages: cheap material, limited working time, easily removable, neutral taste, non-toxic, good
shelf life. Alginate disadvantages: messy to work with, excess water gain in the alginate impression can lead to
swelling, excess water loss can lead to shrinkage, impressions can distort easily. Alginate impressions must not
be soaked for too long in a water-based disinfectant and should be cast up as soon as possible to avoid
shrinkage leading to inaccurate dental work. Alginate is flexible and flows well, this allows the impression
material to record fine surface detail. Alginate is the cheapest and most commonly used impression material. It
is versatile and useful for denture work, opposing impressions for crown and bridge work and removable
orthodontic appliances. Alginate materials possess the qualities of good surface detail and faster reaction at
higher temperatures. They are elastic enough to be drawn over the undercuts but tear over deep undercuts and
are not dimensionally stable on storing due to evaporation. Alginates are nontoxic and nonirritant. Alginate
powder is unstable on storage in the presence of moisture or in warm temperatures. Alginate impression
materials are hydrophilic in nature, and this property facilitates making of accurate impressions in the presence
of saliva or blood. It has a low wetting angle and hence full arch impressions are easily captured. Impressions
made with irreversible hydrocolloids are easier to remove than those with elastomeric materials. As their tear
strength is low, they can reproduce subgingival contours and anatomy but tear upon removal. They are good for
only one pour per impression

Disinfection of dental impressions is necessary to avoid cross-infection consequent on the presence of micro-
organisms
The basic from blood and
components are saliva on alginate (either
a soluble the impression surface.
potassiumMicro-organisms havealginate)
alginate or sodium also been
andrecovered from
stone casts made from
a reactor (calcium contaminated
sulfate), impressions.
which causes the alginateSpray
to gel.and immersion disinfectants are widely used to
disinfect
  alginate impressions. However, these processes are likely to cause dimensional changes or adversely
affect surface quality. Clearly the availability of a self-disinfecting alginate would be a distinct advantage.
Mixing the alginate:

1. Use the specific measuring devices (water & powder) provided by the manufacturer for mixing.
2. Add the powder into the water. This ensures the powder particles are wet evenly.
3. If mixed in reverse (the water is added to the powder) the chemical reaction will start early with
some particles setting faster than others.
Temperature is a major factor in the setting time. The colder the temperature of the water the longer it takes
to set. Alginate has a tendency, after it sets to lose or absorb water, depending on the atomosheric conditions
surrounding it. If conditions are dry it loses water & shrinks; if immersed in water, it moisture or swells.
Advantages:
 It makes an accurate impression if handled properly
 Elastic to be withdrawn from undercuts without distortion
 Easy to work with, not time consuming
 Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
 Subject to dimensional changes if not stored properly before pouring
 Cannot be added to (add another layer)
The disinfection of alginate impressions must be carried out with regard for the dimensional instability of
the impression material. Excessive immersion in aqueous solutions may cause swelling of the material,
and should be avoided.
Manipulation of Alginate Impression
 Should not be exposed to air (dehydration).
 Should not be immersed in water
 Should be poured immediately   OR
 Should be stored in a humid atmosphere by wrapping in a damp paper towel or in 100% relative
humidity (humidor).
 No separating medium is needed for pouring.
Procedure:
1. Remove the alginate impression from the damp paper towel and shake out any moisture.
2. Add gypsum product (powder) into water “according to manufacturer’s instructions”. Place the bowl
on the vibrator to escape the entrapped air.
3. Hold the impression tray against the vibrator and add a small amount of mixed gypsum.
 4. Continue to add gypsum in larger portions until the impression is completely filled.
5. Let the gypsum reach its initial set.
6. The base of the cast can then be formed with a new mix of gypsum. The base should be at least 15
mm thick.
Forming the Cast 
Procedure:
1. Apply wax to the periphery of the impression. It should be placed 2-3 mm from the borders of the
impression and should be 4 mm wide.
2. Box the impression with boxing wax sheet.
3. Remove the impression gently off the cast with a plaster knife. For the border molded impression,
the cast should be dipped in warm water for easy removal.
The sides of the cast are trimmed to be parallel, any stone nodules are carefully removed. The base can be
trimmed for either orthodontic specifications or to remove excess stone only

1. PHRASE MATCH: Match the following phrases

1. Alginate impression materials are easy to use, less expensive, a. used to make a mold of
with quick setting time, your patient's teeth and
surrounding areas.

2 Dental impression techniques are variable, depending on b. the setting time can be
controlled with the
temperature of water used.
3. The advantages of using alginate include the low cost, a c. other alternatives it also
better tolerability on the part offers quick setting times
which can be manipulated
with different temperatures
of water.
4. Alginate produces an adequately detailed mold and is d. which material is used.
cheaper than
5. Dental alginate is a powder impression material that, when e. of the patient, the ease of
mixed with water, turns into a flexible and elastic gel manipulation, the short
time needed for execution.

2. Put the words into the correct order to make sentences

1. The, irreversible, which, are, the, hydrocolloids, most, commonly, used, are, a, of, manual, mixture, or,
techniques, mechanized, through, powder, the, union, of, a, and, water.
2. Alginate, expensive, materials, are, easy, impression, to, use, setting, less, and, have, more, rapid, times.
3. The, time, and, water, therefore, temperature, the, setting, reaction, time, can, be, controlled, with, the, of,
the, used.
4. Alginic, can, be, retention, used, in, addition, adhesives, the, to, perforations, for, the, of, alginate, in, tray.
5. The, of, the, time, also, depends, on, setting, the, amount, variation, of, water.
6. Mixing, quick, must, be, spatula, with, a, wide-blade.
7. The, resulting, from, the, bowl, mixture, should, spatula, be, creamy, in, should, consistency, but, not,
drip, off, the, when, it, is, lifted.
8. Silicone, material, putty, consists, in, impression, of, a, base, and, catalyst, a, consistency.
9. However, work, best, in, silicones, a, dry, environment, and, may, not, saliva, be, ideal, if, there, is, a,
lot, of.
10. Alginate, accurate, is, not, as, silicone, kept, distortion, as, and, is, prone, to, if, not, damp.
 

LISTENING

Pre-listening: Reflect and Discuss: Alginate Impression. Give arguments to support your answer

Video: Taking an Awesome Alginate Impression

hhttps://youtu.be/47zi8VJPAyY

Listening: Listening for the Main Idea: 

What is the talk mainly about?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Listening for Details: Take notes of the ideas about Alginate Impression
Be ready to answer the questions.
1. How to make an awesome impression?
2. What is the important part of an impression?
3. What are the right steps? Describe.
4. What should the dentist do to make the patient feel comfortable and stable?
5. What is the final step?
Post-listening: Discussion
Share your notes and discuss the main idea/details. 
Write one critical thinking question and discuss it in your group. 
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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Project: 
Review and reflect on Alginate Impression. Point out 10 key points.

References:
https://mydentaltechnologynotes.wordpress.com/2018/07/03/impression-materials-alginate/

https://www.dentalnursenetwork.com/news/dental-nursing-library/1073-the-difference-between-impression-
materials.html