Gypsum product

Gypsum product used in dentistry are based on calcium sulphate hemi-

hydrate (CaSO42)2.H2O. Their main uses are for casts or models, dies.

➢ Model: is a replica of several teeth and their associated soft tissue or,
alternatively, to an edentulous arch.

➢ Die: is a replica of a single tooth.

Gypsum product are supplied as fine powders that are mixed with water to form
a fluid mass that can be poured and shaped and hardens into a rigid stable mass.

s:

Supplied as:
Powders of various colors in small pre-weighed sachets, in
medium sized bags or containers or in large bags, sacks or bins (bulk).

Type of gypsum product

Type 1: Dental plaster, impression
Type 2: Dental plaster, model
Type 3 : Dental stone, die, model
Type 4 :Or Dental Stone, Die, High Strength, Low Expansion
Type 5: Or Dental Stone, Die, High Strength, High Expansion
Type 1: Dental plaster, impression
USES
1. For making impressions in
complete denture and maxillofacial
prosthetics (not used currently for
this purpose).
2. Bite registration material.

Type 2: Dental plaster, model

Synonyms: Model plaster, laboratory plaster
USES
1. For making study casts and models.
2. To make molds for curing dentures.
3. For mounting casts on articulator.
Type 3 Dental stone, die, model
Synonym: Class I stone or Hydrocal
USES
For preparing master casts and to make molds.

Type 4 Or Dental Stone, Die, High Strength, Low Expansion

Synonyms: Class II stone, die stone, densite, improved stone.
USES
Die stone is the strongest and hardest variety of gypsum product. It is used
when high strength and surface hardness is required, e.g., dies used for inlay,
crown and bridge wax patterns.
Type 5 Or Dental Stone, Die, High Strength, High Expansion
USES
To prepare dies with increased expansion.

Q: To secure maximum strength a low water/powder ratio should be

used. Why? The higher the water-powder ratio, the longer is the setting time
and weaker will be the gypsum product. Therefore, water/powder ratio should
be kept as low as possible but at the same time sufficient to produce a workable
mix.
Note :The mixing equipment must be meticulously clean. There should be no
particles of set plaster from a previous mix sticking to the bowl or spatula.
These if present will act as additional nuclei of crystallization and cause faster
setting. No air must be trapped in the mixed mass. It causes loss of surface
detail and weakens the cast.
Setting time: The time elapsing from the beginning of mixing until the material
hardens is called setting time.
Mixing time :is the time from the addition the powder to the water until mixing
is complete. A mixing time of 1 minute is usually sufficient
Working time: is the time available to work with the mix for the intended
purpose, i.e., one that maintains an even consistency. At the end of the working
period the material thickens and is no longer workable. The freshly mixed mass
is semifluid in consistency and quite free flowing. A working time of 3 minutes
is usually sufficient.
 Initial setting time: As the reaction proceeds, more hemihydrate crystals
react to form dihydrate crystals. The viscosity of the mass is increased and it can
no longer be poured. The material becomes rigid (but not hard). It can be carved
but not moulded. This is known as initial setting time.
Final setting time: The time at which the material can be separated from
the impression without distortion or fracture.
Measurement of Setting Time:
Usually by some type of penetration tests. Occasionally, other tests are used.
1. Loss of gloss method :As reaction proceeds the gloss disappears from the
surface of plaster mix (sometimes used to indicate initial set).
2. Exothermic reaction: The temperature rise of the mass may also be used for
measurement of setting time as the setting reaction is exothermic.
3. Penetration tests : By using penetrometers.
Types of Penetrometers:
1. Vicat needle 2. Gilmore needles

Factors Affecting Setting Time:

1. Manufacturing process.
2. Mixing and spatulation (time and rate).
3. Water/Powder ratio.
4.Temperature.
5. Modifiers.