IMPRESSION MATERIALS AND

ITS RELEVANCE IN
PROSTHODONTICS
PRESENTED BY: DR. SHIWANGI DHIMAN
PG-1st YEAR
DEPT. OF PROSTHODONTICS
CONTENTS
• Definitions
• Ada specification
• History
• Purpose of impression materials
• Desirable qualities
• Classification
• Impression plaster
• Zinc oxide eugenol impression paste
• Impression compound
• Agar
• Alginate
• Elastomeric impression materials
• Polysulfide
• Condensation silicone
• Addition silicone
• Polyether
• Manipulation
• Properties of impression materials
• Comparative properties
• Relevance in prosthodontics
- complete denture
- removable partial denture
- fixed partial denture
- implants
- maxillofacial prosthesis
• References
Definitions

IMPRESSION

Acc to GPT 9th edition:

- a negative likeness or copy in reverse of the subject or

object

- any substance or combination of substances used for making

an impression or negative reproduction

- an imprint of teeth and adjacent structures for use in

dentistry
IMPRESSION MATERIAL:
Any substance or combination of substances used for
making an impression or negative reproduction.

IMPRESSION TECHNIQUE:
A method and manner used in making a negative likeness.
ADA/ANSI SPECIFICATIONS
• Dental impression compound – 3

• Zinc oxide-eugenol impression paste – 16

• Dental agar impression material – 11

• Alginate impression material – 18

• Nonaqueous, elastomeric impression material – 19

• Dental duplicating material – 20

• Dental gypsum products - 25

HISTORY
• Philip Pfaff-1756
First described taking impression with softened sealing wax
• Christophe Francois Delabarre-1820
• Introduced the metal impression tray
• Wescott, Dwinell and Dunning – 1844
used plaster of paris as an impression material.
• Chales Stens of England, 1857
discovered and produced Modelling Plastic.
• In 1936,Alginate was patented in America

• 1937, Reversible Hydrocolloids were recommended

for fixed prosthodontics.

• In 1939, Torrezzano gave early techniques using ZOE

impression pastes.

• In 1952, Alphus Poller suggested the use of AGAR as

an impression material.
• In middle 1950s elastomeric impression with rubber
base were introduced.

• In 1960s first Polyethers were introduced in

Germany as impression materials.

• In 1970s , Additional silicones were used as

impression Materials.

• In 1988, Light cured Impression /materials were

introduced.
PURPOSE OF IMPRESSION MATERIALS
• To make an accurate replica or mould of the hard and soft oral
tissues.

• Casts of the mouth are used to evaluate the dentition and in

the laboratory fabrication of restorations and prostheses.

• The cast is made by filling the impression with dental stone or

other model material.

• The accuracy, detail, and quality of this final replica are of

greatest importance.
• When the positive reproduction takes the form of the tissues
of the upper or lower jaw and serves for the construction Of
dentures, crowns, Fixed dental prostheses, and other
restorations, It Is described as a cast.

• The positive reproduction of the form of a prepared tooth

constitutes a die for the preparation of inlays or fixed dental
prosthesis.
DESIRABLE QUALITIES

• Pleasant odor taste and color

• Absence of toxic irritants

• Adequate shelf life

• Economical

• Easy to use

• Setting that meet clinical requirements

• Satisfactory consistency
• Readily wet oral tissues

• Elastic

• Adequate strength

• Dimensional stability

• Compatibility with cast and die materials

• Accuracy

• Disinfection
CLASSIFICATION
• BASED ON THE MODE OF SETTING AND ELASTICITY:

a) Rigid
- Reversible (thermoplastic) eg. Impression cmpound
- Irreversible (thermoset) eg. ZOE impression paste,
impression plaster.

b) Elastic
- Hydrocolloid – Reversible eg. Agar
- Irreversible eg. Alginate
- Elastomeric impression materials
eg. Polysulfide, condensation silicone, addition silicone,
polyether.
• BASED ON THE TYPE OF IMPRESSION AND AREA OF USE:
a) Dentulous
- Primary eg. Alginate
- Secondary eg. Elastomers, agar
b) Edentulous
- Primary eg. Impression compound, impression plaster,
alginate
- Secondary eg. ZOE impression paste, elastomers

• BASED ON THEIR USE IN DENTISTRY:

a) Dentulous
- FPD
- RPD eg. Agar, alginate, elastomers
b) Edentulous – For complete dentures
eg: impression compound, ZOE impression paste,
elastomers, alginate
• BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE APPLIED:
a) Muco-compressive eg. Impression compound
b) Mucostatic eg Impression plaster.

• BASED ON THE MANIPULATION:

a. Hand mixing
1. Kneading eg. Impression compound (wet kneading), putty
consistency elastomers
2. Circular motion (with glass slab and spatula) eg. Zoe
impression paste and polysulfide.
3. Vigorous mixing eg Alginate (figure of 8 motion).
b. Mechanical mixing
• BASED ON TRAY USED FOR MAKING IMPRESSION:

a. Stock tray
1. Type of tray
- Rim locked perforated eg. Alginate, elastomers
- Water cooled eg. Agar
- Plastic eg. Orthodotic tray
2. Type of perforation
- Perforated eg. Alginate, elastomers
- Non perforated eg. Impression compound

b. Special tray
1. Base plate wax eg. Zoe impression paste, medium body
2. Resin
BASED ON INTERACTION WITH SALIVA AND WATER :
Hydrophobic : eg polysulfide, additional silicone,
condensation silicone

Hydrophilic: eg polyether ,impression plaster, alginate

BASED ON USE
Primary impression material : eg impression compound, alginate

Secondary Impression material : eg Zoe, elastomers

Duplicating material : eg agar

 SETTING MECHANISM ELASTIC INELASTIC

Chemical reaction Alginate, Polusulfide, Plaster of paris, Zinc

(irreversible) Polyether, Condensation oxide eugenol
silicone, Addition silicone

Thermally induced Agar Impression compound

physical reaction
(reversible)
IMPRESSION PLASTER
Composition
•Calcined CaSo4
•Anti – expansion agents K2So4
•Accelerators - K2So4
•Retarder- borax
•Gelatin
•Gum tragnath
• Starch – it is used to help disintegrate impression on
separation from plaster or stone cast
•Alizarin red
•NaCl accelerator
MANIPULATION
• Preliminary impressions can be made with dental compound,
and impression plaster can be used as the wash material.
Because freshly mixed plaster is too fluid to be retained in a
stock tray, a custom tray can be constructed using a 1 to
1.5mm spacer with acrylic resin or shellac.

• The technique for inserting the impression into the mouth

involves “puddling” the impression into place.

• With the remaining plaster in the tray, the tray is seated in a

single movement.

• Then the tray is gently moved from side to side and

anteroposteriorly to take advantage of the fluidity of the
material
• Long, narrow strips of wax can be adapted around the
periphery of the impression. This is called beading.

• The impression is then coated with a thin layer of separating

medium and cast in fresh plaster; otherwise, separation would
be impossible.
 CHEMISTRY
• Impression plaster is based on calcined calcium sulphate
hemihydrate, which reacts with water to form a hard mass of
calcium sulphate dihydrate.
• This setting reaction is associated with an expansion of 0.3-
0.6%.
• When this is within the confines of an impression tray it will
lead to a significant reduction in accuracy.
• Mixing the plaster with anti-expansion solution (containing 4%
potassium sulphate and 0.4% borax) will reduce this.
• The potassium sulphate reduces expansion to 0.05%, but this
also accelerates the setting reaction, and borax is added as a
retarder, which gives more time to take the impression.
 PROPERTIES
• Excellent at recording fine detail (because very fluid when
inserted in mouth)
• Dimensionally stable if anti expansion solution used
• Fractures if undercuts present
• Mucostatic
• Needs to be treated with a separating medium (e.g. varnish or
soap solution) before being cast in stone or plaster
• Exothermic setting reaction
• On storage dimensionally stable but a small amount of
shrinkage may occur
• Non toxic but may be unpleasant due to dryness and heat
evolved during setting
Advantages –
• Good detail reproduction
• Inexpensive
• Easy to handle
• Non toxic
• Increased shelf life
• Setting time can be controlled
• Excellent dimensional stability
Disadvantages

• The plaster impression material is very brittle and fractures

easily.
• Dry sensation to patients mouth
• Cannot be used for mucodisplacive impressions
• Properties affected by operator handling technique
• Taste and roughness may cause the patient to vomit
 Uses

• Primary impression material

• Secondary impression material
• Interocclusal records
IMPRESSION COMPOUND
• It is a rigid, reversible impression material which sets by
physical change.

Classification:

Acc to ADA sp. No.3:

• Type I:
Low fusing compound – green stick compound.
Medium fusing compound – impression compound.

• Type II:
High fusing compound – tray compound.
 Composition

• Mixture of –waxes(principal ingredient)

- thermoplastic resins
- filler(increase viscosity and rigidity)
- coloring agent

• Shellac, stearic acid and gutta-percha added to improve

plasticity and workability
Requirements of an ideal impression
compound:
• Harden at or little above mouth temp.
• Be plastic at a temp. not injurious or harmful to oral tissues.
• Not containing irritating or toxic ingredients.
• Harden uniformly when cooled without distortion.
• Have a consistency when softened which will allow it to
reproduce fine details.
• Be cohesive but not adhesive.
• Not undergo permanent deformation or fracture while
withdrawing the impression from the mouth.

• Be dimensionally stable after removal from mouth & during

storage.

• Exhibit a smooth glossy surface after flaming.

• Withstand trimming with sharp knife without flaking or

chipping after hardening.
 Type I (Low fusing)
Types of impression
compound
Type II (High fusing)
 TYPE I (LOW FUSING)
• Cakes
• Used as an impression material for completely
edentulous patients
• The material is softened by heat, inserted into the tray
and placed against the tissues before it cools to a rigid
mass
TYPE II (HIGH FUSING)
• Sticks
• Used as a border molding material for the custom tray
• The material is used before making the final impression
 Properties

• i) Thermal conductivity:
has low thermal conductivity.

• ii) Coefficient of linear expansion. (CTE)

high CTE , 0.3% acceptable.

• iii) Flow
high fusing compounds – < 2% at 37 .C & < 70-85 % at 45.C
low fusing compounds – < 3% at 37 C & < 80-85% at 45 C
iv) Glass transition temp:
The temperature at which the material transits from a hard,
glassy material to a soft, rubbery material
App. 39.C Material removed from the mouth after glass
transition temp. is reached.

v) Fusion Temp.
It’s the temp. at which the impression compound becomes
plastic.
Its 43.5.C
vi) Dimensional stability.
Poor dimensional stability.
To prevent distortion pour the cast within 1 hr.

vii) surface detail reproduction is less because of high viscosity

& low flow.
 MANIPULATION
• Stick – Small amount is softened over flame

• Cake – Softened in a thermostatically controlled water bath.

• Do not heat too much

• Take the impression

• Room temperature water cooling

• Pour impression as soon as possible

• Warm the impression before take the cast

 ADVANTAGES
• Cheap

• Does not cause irritation to the soft tissue

• Compatible with model material

• Can take impression again

• Highly rigid
 DISADVANTAGES
• Low detail reproduction

• High coefficient of thermal expansion which leads to

dimensional changes.

• Must be poured within one hour

• Very technique sensitive

• Mucocompressive
• Distortion

• Difficult to remove from undercuts

• Does not have a pleasant taste

• Can be uncomfortable to the patients because of rigidity.

 Disinfection
• The recommended disinfectant solution for the compound is
2% alkaline glutaraldehyde solution.

• The impressions should be immersed in this solution for the

required time, rinsed, and poured immediately
 TROUBLES ENCOUNTERED
• Distortion
-Material is not completely cooled
-Flexible tray
-Delay in pouring

• Compound is too brittle or grainy

-Prolong immersion in the water bath
 ZINC OXIDE EUGENOL
IMPRESSION MATERIAL
• Zinc Oxide Eugenol (or) ZOE is a Irreversible, Rigid
Impression material used as a secondary technique
to take impression of Edentulous patients with the
help of Mucocompessive technique.
 Classification
It is classified by ADA with the ADA Specification N.o: 16
• Type I: Hard
• Type II: Soft

Composition:
This Impression material is available in paste form in 2 tubes:
• Base Paste (White)
• Accelerator Paste/ Reactor/ Catalyst Paste (Red)
Base Paste:
• Zinc Oxide   –    87%
• Olive Oil      -    13%

Accelerator Paste:
• Oil of Cloves                            –      12%
• Gum or Polymerized Rosin       -      50%
• Filler(Silica type)                       -      20%
• Lanolin                                      -      3%
• Resinous Balsam                    -      10%
• Accelerator Solution(Cacl2)      -      5%
SETTING RECTION

ZnO + eugenol Zn eugenolate + ZnO(unreacted)

(powder) (liquid)

(Solid)
MANIPULATION
• Equal length of the two paste is extruded

• Mixed with stainless steel spatula on paper pad or glass slab

• Mixing time 45-60 s

• Working time 3-5 min

shorten by

Increased Temperature & Humidity

• Setting time - Type 1

Initial –3-6min
Final- 10 min
- Type 2
Initial- 3-6min
Final – 15 min
FACTORS CONTROLLING SETTING
TIME
Decreasing setting time:
• Small amt. of zinc acetate
• Accelerators
• Small drop of water mixed in the paste containing eugenol
• Increasing the mixing time.
• Increasing accelerator paste while mixing.

Increasing setting time:

• Cooling the spatula & mixing slab
• Addition of inert oils & waxes during mixing to reduce
hardness like: olive oil.
• Increasing base paste while mixing.
 DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
• Negligible shrinkage (less than 0.1%) may occur during
hardening

• No significant dimensional change

• Impression can be preserved indefinitely without change in

shape provided the tray material is dimensionally stable
 DISINFECTION
• 2 % alkaline glutaraldehyde solution

• Immersed in solution for required time, rinsed and poured

immediately
 Biologic considerations
• Some patients experience burning sensation in the mouth due
to eugenol & can also cause tissue irritation.
• This maybe overcome by using a non eugenol paste.

Uses:
1. cementing & insulating medium
2. temporary filling
3. root canal filling material
4. surgical pack in periodontal surgical procedures.
5. bite registration pastes
6. temporary relining material for dentures.
7. impression material for edentulous patients.
 Bite registration material

• Materials Used –
• impression plaster,
• compound
• wax
• resin
• metal oxide.

• They provide almost no resistance for the closure of

mandible, thus allowing more accurate interocclusal
records.

• Furthermore zoe is more stable than wax.

 TROUBLES ENCOUNTERED
• Inadequate working or setting time
-excessive humidity and/or temperature

• Distortion
-unstable tray
 Non eugenol pastes
• One of the chief disadvantages of Zoe pastes is the possible
burning sensation caused by eugenol.

• Orthoethoxybenzoic acid (EBA) is a valuable substitute for

eugenol in this regard.
 SURGICAL PATES
• After a gingivectomy (i.e., the surgical removal of diseased or
redundant gingival tissues), a zinc oxide-eugenol paste may be
placed over the wound to aid in the retention of a medicament
and to promote healing.

• These pastes are generally softer and slower in their setting

reaction in comparison with impression pastes.

• The mixture should be capable of being formed into a rope that

is packed into the gingival wounds and the interproximal spaces
to provide retention of the dressing

• The final product should be strong enough to resist displacement

during mastication, but not so brittle that it shears readily under
localized stresses.
 BITE REGISTRATION PASTE
• The materials used for recording the occlusal relationships
between natural or artificial teeth include impression plaster,
compound, wax, resin, and metal oxide paste.

• The ZOC impression paste offers almost no resistance to

closing of the mandible, thus allowing a more accurate
interocclusal relationship record to be formed.

• The ZOE interocclusal record is more stable than one made in

wax.
IMPRESSION WAXES
• Impression waxes, though rarely used to record complete
impressions, they can be effectively used to correct small
imperfections in other impressions.

• They are thermoplastic materials, which flow readily at mouth

temperature and are relatively soft even at room temperature.
Impression waxes are classified as:

1) Corrective impression wax

2) Bite registration wax
 COMPOSITION

• Low melting paraffin wax and Bees wax = 3:1

  
• In addition it may contain other wax like ceresin and also
metal particles e.g. aluminium or copper particles.
 PROPERTIES
• Melting    range:
Beeswax is 34-
70°C.                                                                              
Paraffin wax is 44- 60°C.

• Flow
 The flow of corrective temperature wax and bite
registration wax is measured at 37°C and is 100% and
2.5%-22% respectively.

 
• Thermal expansion
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion is 350-700 x10-6/
°C.
Because of the coefficient of thermal expansion is so
great, the impressions should be poured immediately to
avoid distortion.

• Distortion of wax pattern

- Results from – thermal changes and release of stresses
arising from contraction, occluded air and carving
- Inlay waxes tend to return to their original shape
because of Elastic Memory
Advantages
• 1.   Impression wax can be used in thin layers to record
the impression surface of the ridge accurately.
• 2.   It is relatively easy to manipulate.
• 3.   It does not need advanced equipments.

Disadvantages
• 1.  Distortion of the impression wax can occur when the
records are stored due to the release of stresses.
• 2.   It is technique sensitive.
• 3.   It can be used only to record edentulous surfaces
APPLICATIONS
• Corrective impression wax is used as wax veneer over an original 
impression to contact and register the details of soft tissues

• These waxes  can  also  be  used  to  produce  a  mucocompressiv
e  impression  of the edentulous saddles for a lower, free
end saddle partial denture

• A technique of impression making whereby an accurate impressi
on of the teeth andcorrect border extension of the ridges are obt
ained 

• Impression wax can be applied with a brush in small quantities to
 'fill' in areas of impression 
HYDROCOLLOIDS
 HYDROCOLLOID
S

REVERSIBLE Eg. IRREVERSIBLE

AGAR Eg. ALGINATE
• Colloids – a system consisting of a poorly solvated
phase in a medium
Two phases - Dispersed
- Dispersion phases
Hydrocolloids - agar or alginate, dissolved in water

• All colloidal dispersions are termed sols

• Sol-gel transformation

• In the gel state, the dispersed phase agglomerates,

forming chains or fibrils called micelles. The fibrils may
branch and intermesh to form a brush-heap structure.
• Agar - secondary bonds (weak) hold the fibrils
together
- break at slightly elevated temperatures
- become re-established as it cools to room
temperature
- reversible

• Alginate - the fibrils are formed by chemical action

- irreversible
DIMENSIONAL CHANGES
• Evaporation

• Syneresis

• Imbibition
REVERSIBLE HYDROCOLLOID-
AGAR

USES :
•Tissue conditioner
•Deep undercuts
•Cast duplication
ADA Compositio Gelation Liquefactio Advantages Disadvanta Disinfectio
specificatio n temperatur n ges n
n e temperatur
e

No 11 •Agar 37-45˚C 70-100˚C •Clean •Requires Iodophore

•Sulfates and conditioni /bleach/
(k2so4) pleasant ng unit glutarldeh
•Borax •Easy to •Decrease yde
•Alkyl pour d
benzoate •High dimension
•wax accuracy al stability
•Water •Re-usable •Cannot
•Fillers • cheap be
(silica) •Good electropla
•Plasticize elastic ted
r(glycerine properties
) •Accurate
•Bactericid dies can
e be
(thymol) prepared
colors
 Component Function Composition
Agar Brush – heap 13 – 17%
structure
Borates Strength 0.2 – 0.5%
Sulfates Gypsum hardener 1.0 – 2.0%
Wax Filler 0.5 – 1.0%
Thixotropic Thickness 0.3 – 0.5%
materials
Water Reaction 80%
Alkyl Benzoate Prevent growth of 0.1%
mold in impression
material during
storage.

Color and Flavors Taste & appearance Trace

 Gelation process

• Gel Sol (70 – 100oC) liquefaction temperature

• Sol Gel (37 – 50oC) gelation temperature

• Temperature lag makes it possible to use agar as

dental impression material.
MANIPULATION
CONDITIONING UNIT
• Liquefying : Placed in boiling water for 10 min
• Storage: Stored in sol condition at 65oC
• Tempering : at 45oC for 3-10 minutes
 IMPRESSION MAKING
• Syringe material, directly taken from storage
compartment - applied on to the prepared tooth.
• Tray hydrocolloid is removed from the tempering basin,
outer layer removed and impression made.
• Gelation is accelerated by circulating cool water (18-
21oC) through the tray for 3-5 min.
ACCURACY
• Reversible hydrocolloid is among the most accurate of
impression materials.
• It has a long history of successful use for single units and for
fixed partial denture applications.
VISCOSITY
• After the material has been liquefied, it must be sufficiently
viscous so that it will not flow out of the tray even if the tray is
inverted

• On the other hand, its viscosity must not be so great that it will
not readily penetrate every detail of the teeth and soft tissues.

• It is very easy for the patient to "bite through“ the impression

material.

• For this reason, the triple-tray is commonly used with

reversible hydrocolloids
DISTORTION DURING GELATION
• Certain stresses are always introduced during gelation.
• Some contraction occurs because of the physical change in the
hydrocolloid transformation from a sol to gel.
• If the material is held rigidly in the tray, the impression
material shrinks toward the centre of its mass, thereby
creating larger dies.
• Since the sol is a poor thermal conductor, rapid cooling may
cause a concentration of stress near the tray where the
gelation first takes place
PROPERTIES (ANSI/ADA SPECIFICATION NO. 11)
• Elastic recovery : 99% after material is compressed 20%
for 1 second

• Flexibility : 14-15%

• Strength : Compressive strength - 8000g/cm2

Tear strength - 800 – 900 g/cm
ALGINATE
ADA Compositi Uses Mixing Working Setting Advantag Disadvan Disinfecti
specificati on time time time es tages on
on
No 18 •Soluble •To Type 1- Type 1- Type 1- •Non •Dimensi •10 min
Type 1 alginates record 45sec 1.25- 1-2min toxic and onally in sodium
(Fast) Na,K, impressio Type 2- 2min Type2 – non unstable hypochlo
Type 2 Ammonia ns of 1min Type 2- 2-4.5min irritant •Tears if rite
(Slow) •Calcium dental 3-4.5min •Accepta undercut solution
sulphate arches ble odor s severe •10 min
dihydrate •Premilin •Compati •Difficult in
•Trisodium ary ble with to iodophor
phosphate impressio gypsum sterilize solution
•Diatomac n •Elastic •Poor •10 min
eous earth •Duplicati •Sufficien shelf life in
•Potassiu ng cast tly fluid glutarald
m titanium and •Low cost ehyde
fluoride models solution
•Flavourin
agent.
• Developed as a substitute for the agar impression material
when its supply become scarce during World War II

• A chemist from Scotland perceived that certain brown

seaweed (algae) succumbs an atypical mucous extraction

anhydro-B-d-mannuronic acid or
alginic acid (insoluble in water)
COMPOSITION
Component Function Weight
percentage
Potassium alginate Soluble alginate 15
Calcium sulfate Reactor 16
Potassium titanium Accelerator 3
Fluoride

Zinc oxide Filler particles 4

Diatomaceous Filler particles 60
earth
Sodium phosphate Retarder 2
 RECENT ADVANCES
Dust free alginates-
De-dusting agent (glycerin or glycol)

Siliconized alginates-
silicon polymers are added to strengthen the material

Alginates containing disinfectants-

eg quaternary ammonium salts or chlorohexamine are
added to alginate powder.

Hard and soft set alginates-

by adjusting the amount of fillers
• Fine silica particles become airborne from the can when lid is
removed

silicosis and pulmonary hypersensitivity

• Dustless alginate

glycerin incorporated to agglomerate the particles.

 GELATION PROCESS

Soluble alginate + calcium sulfate Insoluble calcium

alginate gel
trisodium phosphate
(retarder)
CLASSIFICATION OF ALGINATE (ACC. TO
ROBERT G. CRAIG)

• I. According to concentration of
sodium phosphate
• Fast set 1.25 – 2min
• Regular set 3 – 4.5 min

• II. According to concentration of filler

• Soft set
• Hard set
Controlling setting time

• Amount of retarder added (manufacturer)

• By altering the temperature of water.
- Rate of setting reaction doubled by
temperature increase of 10oC
Manipulation
- The measured powder is sifted into pre-measured
water
- A vigorous figure – 8 motion, with the mix being
stropped against the sides of rubber mixing bowl
- Mixing time between 45 secs – 1 min

smooth creamy mixture

 MAKING THE IMPRESSION
• Before seating the impression, the material should have
developed sufficient body so that it will not flow out of the
tray and gag the patient.

• The impression should adhere and be retained to the tray so

that the impression can be withdrawn from around the teeth.

• Therefore, a perforated tray is generally used.

• If a plastic tray or a metal rim-lock tray is selected, a thin layer

of alginate tray adhesive should be applied.
• The thickness of the alginate impression between the tray and
the tissues should be at least 3 mm

• It is always best to avoid torquing or twisting the impression in

effort to remove it quickly.
STRENGTH
• The proper W/P ratio should be employed as specified by the
manufacturer.

• Insufficient spatulation results in failure of the ingredients to

dissolve sufficiently so that the chemical reactions can
proceed uniformly throughout the mass.

• Overmixing breaks up the calcium alginate gel network as it is

forming and reduces its strength.
 PROPERTIES
• Permanent deformation : 1-1.5% for 10% strain
• Flexibility : 14% at a stress of 1000 g /cm2
• Strength : Compressive strength= 5000-9000 g/cm2

Tear strength= 380-700 g / cm

ACCURACY
• Most alginate impression materials are not capable of
reproducing the finer details that are observed in impressions
with other elastomeric impression materials.

• The roughness of the impression surface is sufficient to cause

distortion at the margins of prepared teeth.

• Nevertheless, alginate materials are sufficiently accurate that

they can be used for making impressions for removable partial
dentures.
BIOCOMPATIBILITY
• No known chemical or allergic reactions are associated with
hydrocolloid impressions.

• Inhaling fine airborne particles from alginate impression

material can cause silicosis and pulmonary hypersensitivity.
•
• Dustless alginate is preferred to minimize this risk.
 Disinfection
• The hydrocolloid impression must be poured within a short
time after removal from the mouth, the disinfection procedure
should be relatively rapid to prevent dimensional change.

• Most manufacturers recommend a specific disinfectant, such

as iodophore, bleach, or glutaraldehyde, which should be used

• Certain disinfectants may result in gypsum casts that have a

lower surface hardness or diminished surfaced detail.
• The current protocol for disinfecting hydrocolloid impressions
recommended by the Centre for Disease Control is to use
household bleach (1 to 10 dilution), iodophore, or synthetic
phenols as disinfectants.

• After the impression is rinsed thoroughly, the disinfectant can

be sprayed liberally on the exposed surface.

• The impression is then wrapped immediately in a disinfectant-

soaked paper towel and placed in a sealed plastic bag for 10
min.
 DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
• Once the impression is removed from the mouth and exposed
to air at room temperature, some shrinkage associated with
syneresis and evaporation is bound to occur.

• Conversely, if the impression is immersed in water, swelling as

the result of imbibition occurs.

• If pouring of the impression must be delayed, it should be

rinsed in tap water, disinfected, wrapped in a surgical paper
towel, saturated with water, and placed in a sealed plastic
bag.
COMPATIBILITY WITH GYPSUM
• The water content of the hydrocolloid impressions inhibits the
setting of the gypsum at the surface.

• The gelation process of alginate impression produces not only

insoluble calcium alginate but also sodium sulfate.

• Sodium sulfate is a gypsum accelerator at low concentration,

but it becomes a gypsum retarder at higher concentration.

• To correct:
- Gypsum accelerator, such as 2% potassium sulfate solution
- gypsum hardener or accelerator in the material.
Laminate technique (Alginate – Agar
Method)

• The tray hydrocolloid is replaced with a mix of chilled

alginate that bonds to the syringe agar
• Alginate gels by a chemical reaction
• Agar gels by means of contact with the cool hydrocolloid.
• Maximum detail is produced
 Short comings

• Bond between agar and alginate is not always strong.

• Higher viscosity alginate displaces the agar during

seating.

• Dimensional accuracy of alginate limits the use to

single units.
 MODIFIED ALGINATE

• Alginate in the form of sol - containing the water but no source

of calcium ions - a reactor of Plaster of Paris
• Two component system (paste form)
- alginate sol
- calcium reactor
• Alginates modified by the incorporation of silicone polymers
(paste form)
- fine detail reproduction
- tear resistance
- poor dimensions stability
 DUAL PHASE ALGINATE MATERIAL
• Ivoclar Vivadent announces the release of its new AccuDent
® XD Alginate Impression System.
• This new and improved system includes two dual-phase alginate
materials (tray and syringe) for more accuracy and precision than
traditional alginate impression materials.
• It also includes a thermoplastic heat moldable tray system for both
dentate and edentulous impressions.
• The secret behind the system rests in the unique relationship between
the two impression materials.
• The irreversible hydrocolloid Tray and Syringe gels have different
viscosities, but are chemically compatible and designed to work
harmoniously in the mouth to create impressions with outstanding
accuracy and detail
• Syringe material is a lighter body viscosity than the tray material
• Thermoplastic heat moldable impression trays to accommodate all arch
forms
• Creates impressions with dimensional accuracy and freedom from air
bubbles
VIDEO
 SHELF LIFE

• Storage temperature
• Moisture contamination
 Effects of Mishandling

• Grainy material
• Separation of tray & syringe material
• Tearing
• External bubbles
• Irregularly shaped bubbles
• Rough or chalky stone model
• Distortion
ELASTOMERIC IMPRESSION
MATERIALS
 ELASTOMERIC
IMPRESSION
MATERIALS

POLYSULFIDE POLYETHER
SILICONES
(HYDROPHOBIC) (HYDROPHILIC)

CONDENSATION
ADDITION
SILICONE
SILICONE
(HYDROPHOBIC)

HYDROPHOBIC HYDROPHILIC
TYPE TYPE
MATERIAL CONSISTENCY
• LIGHT BODY

• MEDIUM BODY

• HEAVY BODY

• PUTTY CONSISTENCY (ONLY FOR SILICONES)

 POLYSULFIDE
ALSO KNOWN AS RUBBER BASE, MERCAPTAN,
THIOKOL RUBBER
 Component Function
Polysulfide prepolymer This is further
with polymerized and
terminal and pendant cross linked to form
Base Paste thiol rubber
(-SH) groups.
Dibutyl pthalate Platicizer to control
viscosity
Inert filler To provide the required
(lithopone or titanium Strength
dioxide)

Lead dioxide (Brown) Reactor

Or
Hydrated copper
oxide (Green)
Oleic or stearic acid Retarder to control
CATALYST PASTE the
rate of setting
reactions
Plasticizer and fillers
Sulfur (0.5%) To accelerate the
reaction
 SETTING REACTION
• The terminal and pendant thiol (SH ) group of each molecule is
oxidized by the addition of oxidizing agent present in the reaction
paste

Lengthening of polymer chain by oxidation of terminal thiol (SH )

groups and cross linking by oxidation of pendant thiol (SH ) groups

• Condensation type of reaction - water byproduct

• Moisture and temperature -> decreases working time.

• Available in three consistencies
• Low
• Medium
• High

• Packaged as two pastes

Base (white)
Catalyst (brown)
 Advantages Disadvantages
- High tear strength - Dimensionally unstable
- Long working time - Unacceptable odor
- Established precision - Untidy and stains clothing
- Economic - Long setting time
- Extensive shelf life - Least elastic recovery
- Less hydrophobic - Subsequent pours are less
accurate.
CONDENSATION SILICONE
(SILICONE, POLYSILOXANE ORGANO-TIN
SILICONE)
 Components Function
Hydroxyl undergoes cross
BASE PASTE terminated linking
polydimethyl to form rubber
siloxane
Prepolymer

Silica Filler

Alkyl Silicate Cross linking

REACTOR PASTE agent

Stannous octate Catalyst

SETTING REACTION

• Reaction occurs by cross-linking

Stannous
octate
alkyl silicate + dimethyl siloxane Rubber

Reaction is affected at ambient temperature

- Room temperature vulcanization silicone

• Ethyl alcohol by-product - dimensionally instable

• Limited shelf life of catalyst - instability of alkyl silicate in the

presence of stannous octate
• Available as two consistencies

• Putty (75%filler)
• Light body (35%filler)
 Advantages Disadvantages
- Agreeable odor & stain - Inadequate dimensional
free stability
- Satisfactory working & - Inadequate shelf life
setting
time
- Enhanced elastic recovery - Hydrophobic
- Adequate tear strength
 ADDITION SILICONE
{POLYVINYL SILOXANE, VINYL(POLYSILOXANE)}
 Components Function
Hydroxyl Undergoes
BASE PASTE terminated cross linking
polymethyl to form rubber
siloxane
prepolymer
Colloidal silica Filler

Polyvinyl silicone
prepolymer
REACTOR PASTE Colloidal silica Filler
Chloroplatinic Catalyst
acid
SETTING REACTION

• Reaction occurs by cross-linking

Chloroplatinic
Polyvinyl silicone +Polymethyl siloxane acid Rubber

• No by product formed
• Imbalance between base and reactor- hydrogen gas
• Hydrogen gas scavenger - platinum or palladium
• Inherently hydrophobic nonionic surfactant
- allows impression material to readily wet soft
tissue
- enhance the ability of gypsum to obtain
maximum detail

• Sulfur contamination from natural latex gloves inhibits

the setting of addition silicones
Available in 4 consistencies
• Light body
• Medium body
• Heavy body
• Putty
 Advantages Disadvantages
- Excellent dimensional - Hydrophobic
accuracy
- Long term dimensional - Expensive
stability
- Hydrogen gas evaluation
in some materials
- Pleasant to use
- Short setting time - Hydrophilic formulations
imbibe moisture
- Auto mix available
- If hydrophilic, good - Sulfur contamination by
compatibility with latex glove
gypsum
 Newer Formulations

• Hydrophilic – addition of surfactant

• Hydrogen gas scavenger – Palladium
• Monophase – Shear thinning
• Stiffer – Bite registration
POLYETHER (epimine)
 Imine terminated Becomes cross
prepolymer linked
BASE PASTE to form rubber
Silica Filler – to control
viscosity
Pthalate Plasticizer

Alkyl aromatic Initiates cross

REACTOR PASTE sulfonate linking
Silica Filler
Pthalate Plasticizer
 SETTING REACTION
• Cross linking of a difunctional epimine
terminated prepolymer catalyzed by an alkyl
benzene sulfonate catalyst
• Reaction involves ring opening - no by products
• Stiffness reduced - addition of thinner
• Absorbs moisture - dimensional change
Available in 3 consistencies

• Light body
• Medium body
• Heavy body.
 Advantages Disadvantages

Dimensional stability - Set material very stiff

Accuracy - Imbibition
Shorter setting time - Short working time.
Automix available - Allergic hypersensitivity in
some cases.
MANIPULATION
• Paste form -> equal lengths of base and reactor paste
taken over the mixing pad - reactor paste is first spread
over the base paste, mixing continued until a smooth,
homogenous, streak free mix is obtained.

• When reactor supplied in liquid form -> number of drops

per unit length are recommended by manufacturer.

• Two putty system -> kneaded between the fingers

AUTOMATIC MIXING DEVICE
 • Used for light and medium viscosity materials of addition
silicone, condensation silicone and polyethers, not
polysulfides
• prepackaged cartridges
• disposable mixing tip

• The cartridge inserted in a gun like device, and base and

catalyst are extruded into the spiral mixing tip, where mixing
occurs as they progress to the end of the tube.
Advantages
• Greater uniformity in proportioning and in
mixing.
• Less air incorporated into the mix.
• Mixing time reduced.
• Less chance of mix getting contaminated
• Less wastage of material.
 DYNAMIC MECHANICAL MIXER

• The device uses a motor to drive parallel plungers that force

the materials into a mixing tip, and the spiral inside the
mixing tip rotates as the material are extruded through the
tip

• Higher viscosity material can be mixed

 PENTAMIX

• It lets you mix and dispense homogenous and precise

impression material at the touch of the button
 
• ADVANTAGES:
• Economical – use only the exact amount of material
• Reliable – remarkably mixed material assures consistent
quality
• Hygienic – direct filling of tray reduces the risk of cross
infection
• Efficient – push button activation makes it fast and easy to
handle.
 
 New Penta™ System Components for
maximum reliability
 
• The innovative design of the Red Penta™ Mixing Tip reduces
dispensing forces by up to 50 %. This also allows heavybodied
pastes to be reliably conveyed and mixed without the cartridge
and foil bag caps being subjected to excessive pressure.
 
• The tried and tested PentaMatic™ Auto Open System from 3M
ESPE base paste foil bag cap has been reinforced with additional
struts helps to prevent breakage. The PentaMatic foil bag cap of
the catalyst features a redesigned opening with a widened base
helps to prevent the opening from snapping off even when under
load.

• The new Penta™ Cartridges now include an integrated steel

cylinder, designed helps to prevent the expansion or breakage of
cartridges
Pentamix™ 2
Automatic Mixing Unit

• The Pentamix 2 Mixing Unit and the Auto Open System of the
PentaMatic™ foil bags permit even faster working and more
convenient handling, both before and after pressing the button.
• The coordinated system of the Pentamix 2 Mixing Unit and
PentaMatic™ Auto Open System makes the impression-taking
process, including all preparatory and subsequent work, easier and
more convenient.
 
PRODUCT BENEFIT
 
• • Easier handling, less stress
• • Greater cleanliness and hygiene
• • More safety
• • Compatibility with all the modules of the Penta System
Pentamix 3

• Operation security: built-in sensor detects Penta™

Authentication Label on each base paste foil bag which
guarantees optimised mixing parameters and speed of
extrusion.
• Ultimate procedure efficiency because it mixes and dispenses
all 3M ESPE impression materials – even putty - faster than
any other automatic mixing unit
• Enables you to work with quick-setting materials
• Wall-mounting option included
• Penta™ Cartridges display material name and working/setting
times
• Optimized design for left- and right-handed operators
PROPERTIES
VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES

• Viscoelasticity - dependence of an impression

material’s response to the speed of removal

• Viscoelastic behavior - intermediate between that of

an elastic solid and a viscous liquid.
• Elastic solid Spring, deforms instantly to a certain
extent when one applies a specific load - deformation
reversed completely on removal of the load.

• Viscous liquid Oil dashpot, which does not respond

instantly but deforms as the load is applied over time -
deformation is permanent.
 Clinical importance

The amount of permanent deformation attributed to

either dashpot, is dictated by the duration of tension or
compression exerted on the materials - snap removal
WORKING AND SETTING
TIME
• Working time : is the time elapsed from the start of

mix until the material is loaded on to the tray / syringe.

• End of Working time -defined as the time when a

blunt needle fails to penetrate a volume of impression

material to a specified depth.

• Measured at room temperature

• Mixing time : is the time required to obtain a uniform

mix
• Setting time - defined as the transitional time at which
plastic properties which permit molding and
impression taking are lost and elastic properties
permitting removal of the impression material are
acquired
or
• When a blunt instrument fails to permanently indent
the set impression materials.
• Measured at mouth temperature.
• Effects of temperature

• Increase - both working and setting time decreased by

accelerating the curing rate
• Decrease - working time increased by refrigerating the
materials or mixing on a chilled dry glass slab
• Effect of viscosity
• Increase - decrease working time and setting time

• Altering base / catalyst ratio : alter the working

and setting time - adversely affects the
mechanical properties
Impression Mean working Mean setting time
materials time (min) (min)

23oC 37oC 23oC 37oC

Polysulfide 6.0 4.3 16.0 12.5

Condensation 3.3 2.5 11.0 8.9
silicone
Addition 3.1 1.8 8.9 5.9
silicone
Polyether 3.3 2.3 9.0 8.3
• Clinical importance

• Dual arch technique for single crown preparation

Quick set material – short working time.

• Full arch impression with multiple prepared teeth.

Longer working time

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
• Five major sources of dimensional changes

• Polymerization shrinkage
• Loss of by product (water or alcohol) during
condensation reaction
• Thermal contraction from oral temperature to room
temperature
• Imbibition - exposed to water, disinfectant or high
humidity environment over a period of time
• Incomplete recovery of deformation
• Addition silicone - most stable

• Polyether - poured within 1 hour

• Condensation silicone poured within

• Polysulfide
} 30 min
REPRODUCTION OF ORAL DETAILS

• the rubber impression materials are capable of

reproducing detail mole accurately than can be
transferred to the stone die or cast.
DISINFECTION
• The impressions should be immersed for the time specified for
the disinfectant used.

• After disinfection the impression should be removed, rinsed,

and poured with the gypsum product as soon as possible
•
• A long immersion time may cause the surfactant in the
hydrophilic vinyl polysiloxane to leach out and render the
impression less hydrophilic.

• The polyethers are also susceptible to dimensional change if

immersed for a long time (>lo min).

• Usually 2% glutaraldehyde is used.

ACCURACY
• ANSI/ADA specification No.19 - reproduce fine detail of 25
μm or less.
• Putty record only upto 75 μm
• Corresponding specification for gypsum die materials is
50μm
• Most accurate - Addition silicone
- Reversible hydrocolloid
ELASTIC RECOVERY
• Elastic recovery - “rebound” back to its original shape,
when the set impression is removed from the mouth
• Elastic recovery can be maximized by blocking the
undercuts.
PVS

CONDENSATION
SILICONE

POLYETHER

POLYSULFIDE
 RHEOLOGIC PROPERTIES
(FLOW AND FLEXIBILITY)

• Light body materials flow readily into minute

details
• Tray or heavy body material provide more
rigidity to the impression
• Early versions of light body tended to flow off
the prepared tooth with time - newer PVS and
polyether are thixotropic
• Monophasic material - shear thinning effect -“false
body” permits the material to stay in the tray without
sagging or dripping, yet the same material can be used
in a syringe.

• Material that exhibits this property of becoming more

fluid when shear rate is increased - thioxtrophic
FLEXIBILITY
PO
LYE
TH
ER
PVS

CONDENSATION SILICONE

POLYSULFIDE
• Polyether - most rigid
• Problem when dealing with long, thin
preparations of periodontally involved teeth
• Result in fracture of dies

• Advantage - dual arch impressions - double bite trays

are flexible - rigid material is advantageous
TEAR STRENGTH
• Important property - in
P
OL inter proximal and sub
US gingival areas.
UL
FI
DE
POLYETHER • Influenced by
• Consistency - increased
viscosity increases tear
SILICONE strength
• Manner of removal - rapid
rate of force during removal
HYDROCOLLOID
increases tear strength
HYDROPHILICITY
• Two different aspects of the hydrophobic nature
of elastomers:
• High contact angle that forms when polymerized
impressions are wetted with dental gypsum materials
• Lack of ability of the impression material to wet the
oral tissues during impression making
• PVS and Condensation silicones –hydrophobic
• Contains hydrophobic aliphatic hydrocarbon groups
surrounding the siloxane bond
• Polyether and polsulfides - hydrophilic
• Contain functional groups that attract and interact
with water molecules through hydrogen bonding
• Newer materials - classified as hydrophilic
• Including non-ionic surfactants
• Grafting the surfactant to silicone polymer
BIOCOMPATIBILITY
• Cell cytotoxicity
• polysulfide - lowest
• polyether - highest

• Elastomer – induced biocompatibility problem occurs

when a segment is lodged in patients gingival sulcus -
gingival inflammation
• Radiopacity of Polysulfide
• Contact dermatitis from polyether catalyst to dental
assistant has been reported
SHELF LIFE
• Stored in a dry, cool environment.
• Tubes should be kept tightly closed
• Arbitrarily suggested that no more than 6 months
supply should be kept on hand at any time.
Economic factors

• Reversible hydrocolloid less expensive than

elastomers, but equipments associated with it
compensates for the cost
• Polyether and PVS most expensive
• Cost reduced by using auto-mix devices & dual arch
technique when indicated
MATERIAL ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
ALGINATE Rapid set, Hydrophilic Poor accuracy &
Low cost, No custom surface details, Low
tray required tear résistance
Low stability.
AGAR-AGAR Long working time Low tear résistance
Hydrophilic Low stability
Equipment required
POLYSULFIDE High tear resistance Long setting time
Unpleasant odor,
Sticky
ADDITION Dimensional stability, Hydrophobic, release
SILICONE excellent accuracy, of hydrogen gas,
Auto mix available Most expensive
CONDENSATION Fair accuracy, short Release of Alcohol
SILICONE setting time byproduct,
Hydrophobic.
POLYETHER Dimensionally stable, Rigid, imbibition
accurate, Auto mix short working time
available
Effects of mishandling elastomers

• Rough or uneven surface on impression

• Bubbles
• Irregularly shaped voids
• Rough or chalky stone cast
• Distortion
Property Polysulfide Condensation Addition Polyether
silicone silicone
WT(min) 4-7 2.5-4 2-4 3
ST(min) 7-10 6-8 4-6.5 6
Tear 2500-7000 2300- 2600 1500-4300 1800-4800
strength(N/m)
Percent 0.40-0.45 0.38-0.60 0.14-0.17 0.19-0.24
contraction(at
24h)
Contact angle(°) 82 98 98/53 49
By product Y Y N N
formation
Automatic N N Y Y
mixing
Custom tray Y N N N
Unpleasant Y N N N
odour
Multiple casts N N Y Y
Stiffness 3 2 2 1
Distortion on 1 2 4 3
NEW TECHNOLOGY
INTRAORAL SCANNER
• Plaster casts have been used as a standard of care for many years in
diagnosis, treatment planning and fabrication of restorations. These
casts, however, are subject to loss, fracture and degradation and
require storage space.

• To overcome these disadvantages, three-dimensional (3D) digital

models obtained from intraoral scanners (IOS) can be used as an
alternative to conventional casts.

• They can be stored easily, require little storage space and can be
transmitted digitally, and their use may increase productivity.

• However, some cases, such as those involving complex prosthodontic

treatment or removable restorations, still require physical dental casts
• Digital models can be virtually manipulated, precise cross-
sectional views can be created, and they can be magnified.

• Commercially available digital models can be produced by a

direct or an indirect method.

• Indirect methods begin with dental impressions

• Digital models can then be obtained by laser scanning of

plaster models or computed tomography imaging of the
impressions or plaster models.

• The direct method uses an intraoral scanner to scan directly in

the patient's mouth, making dental impressions redundant.
• This can be advantageous for patients with a gag reflex or
with cleft lip and palate, who are at risk of aspiration and
respiratory distress during taking of the dental impressions.

• The dentitions can be scanned with a chair-side oral scanner

(Lava, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) according to the
manufacturer's manual to create stereolithographic files.

• After scanning, the files of the scanner were sent to the

company by e-mail.

• This company uses a computer program to correct for missing

data, and the files were returned to by the Internet.

• These files were then transformed into digital models by

software (OrthoProof, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands).
• Models can be made with epoxy resins or polyurethane.

• The digital models could be rotated, magnified, and sliced

during measuring.

• The following measurements were made on the skulls and the

stereolithographic and digital models: intermolar distances,
intercanine distances, mesiodistal tooth widths, and dental
arch segments. There were recorded to the nearest 0.01 mm
Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing–generated casts.
A.Stereolithographic cast based on data from CEREC AC with Bluecam (Sirona, Bensheim,
Germany).
B. Stereolithographic cast based on data from Lava Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S. (3M ESPE, St.
Paul, Minn.).
C. Milled cast based on data from iTero (Align Technology, San Jose, Calif.).
Examples of a skull model, a stereolithographic model, and a
digital model. SM,Stereolithographic model; DM, digital model.
RELEVANCE OF IMPRESSION
MATERIALS IN
PROSTHODONTICS
COMPLETE DENTURES
The choice of different impression material used to record
impressions for complete dentures varies on

•Theories of impression making – mucostatic, selective

pressure, mucocompressive

•On the technique – open mouth and closed mouth

•On the tray type- stock tray , custom tray

•Purpose of impression – diagnostic, primary, secondary

•Material used - modeling compound, waxes, reversible

hydrocolloid, irreversible hydrocolloid, metallic oxides,
elastomeric impressions.
 COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT IMPRESSION
MATERIALS

For Primary Impression – the Prelimiary impression

should be as accurate as possible and over extension of
peripheral borders is preffered to underextension.

Materials used are:

• Impression compound
• Irreversible hydrocolloids
• Silicone putty
Properties Impression Irreversible Elastomeric
compound hydrocolloid impressions
Mixing Manual Manual/automated Automated
Viscosity High Medium High
Hydrophobic/ Hydrophilic Hydrophilic Hydrophilic/
Hydrophilic hydrophobic
Reproduction of Poor Fine Best
details
Tear strenghth 350-700g/cm2 1500-4300g/cm2 for
addition silicone
1800-4800 for
polyether
Removal from Difficult Easy Easy
undercuts
Elasticity Rigid Elastic Highly elastic
Pouring of cast Delayed Immediate Delayed
Readdition of Can be added Cannot be added Can be added after
material fresh mixing
Cost effectiveness Economical Economical Expensive
CRITICAL REVIEW
• With the introduction of Elastomeric impression materials (most commonly
used – polyether/polyvinyl siloxane) the impression compound is losing out its
value as a preffered primary impression material as it is highly viscous and
mucocompressive.

• Development in dental materials high viscosity alginate are being formed

which compensate the property of holding itself at the borders of
underextended trays.

• According to a study in UK showed that alginate is the most commonly used

impression material. 91.3% people used alginate and 8.3% preffered
impression compound for primary impression.

• In Northern India 70% people ( Katkar VR, Complete denture impression

techniques practiced by private dental prctitoners: a survey, J Indian
Prosthodont) preffered alginate as compared to Pakistan where 93% used
impression compound. (Ahmad H JK, Muhammad F(2014) impression
technique and material used for complete denture procedure: A survey,
Pakistan Oral and Dent J 34)
For BORDER MOULDING

Border molding is a process by which shape of the borders

of the tray is made to conform accurately to contours of
labial, buccal and lingual vestibule.

Materials used are –

•Low fusing impression compound
•Waxes
•Polyether and silicone materials
•Light Polymerized Resin
CRITICAL REVIEW
• Compound is the most commonly used material for border moulding but its
incremental building of the borders limits its usage

• A study was done- Comparative evaluation of reproducibility of peripheral

tissues produced by different border molding materials in edentulous
patients: An in vivo study which compared different border molding materials
while taking a tissue conditioner as a control.

• Within the limitations of the study it was concluded that:

• • Mean border height, width and area obtained by the polyether was found out
to be most close to control the group
• • Mean width of borders obtained by the polyether was closest and green stick
was farthest from the control group.

• • Mean height of borders obtained by the polyether was closest and of the
periphery wax was farthest from the control group

• • Mean area of borders obtained by the polyether was closest and of the
periphery wax was farthest from the control group
For FINAL IMPRESSION

Materials used are :

•Impression plaster ( not used any more)

•Metallic oxides ( zinc oxide eugenol)
•Irreversible hydrocolloid
•Elastomeric impressions ( mainly polyvinyl siloxanes )
Properties Impression Metallic oxide Alginate Poly vinyl
plaster siloxane
Tissue Minimum Least Slight Slight
displacement
Stock tray/ Custom Custom Stock/custom Stock/custom
custom tray
Type of set Rigid Rigid Elastic Elastic
material
Use in bony n/a n/a Yes Yes(desirable)
undercuts
Setting time 60sec 10- 1.5-4min 4-6.5min
15min(dependi (depending on
ng on type) type)
Dimensional 0.1% poor 0.19-0.24%
changes
Biocompatibility Biocompatible Irritant- cant be Biocompatible Biocompatible
used in dry
mouth
Cost Cheap Cheap Cheap Expensive
CRITICAL REVIEW
• Due to its rigidity , ZOE impression materials cannot be used in
bony undercuts as compared to elastic impression materials.

• Advantage of using ZOE is that the impression can be checked

from time to time as it provides longer working time

• Significant differences were observed regarding the choice of

material used to make final impression.
• 52.4% of the practitioner’s preferred polyvinyl siloxane for
making final impressions, followed by ZOE 20%, polyether
15.2% alginate 7.6% and polysulfide 3.8% respectively
• In a survey conducted in UK 29% practitioners’ preferred ZOE
paste as final impression material while as 13% preferred
elastomers.
• In the same study it was seen that 94% of the practitioners
preferred alginate for making secondary impressions

Alqattan et al., Dent Health Curr Res 2016

Impression Techniques and Materials for
Complete Denture Construction
• In Pakistan 97% of dentists used ZOE as a material for final
impression making . In a recent study conducted in India it was
reported that 73% of respondents use ZOE for making final
impression, while as 19% use elastomers, and 8% use alginate.

• A randomized control trial was done between the use of

alginate and PVS for the use of final impression in 2014, the
result were as follow (hyde et al)

• 1 Dentures made from silicone impressions were preferred by

patients over dentures constructed from alginate impressions,
both before and after the dentures were adjusted.

• 2. Overall patients preferred the experience of having

impressions taken in silicone, finding silicone impressions more
comfortable; however there was no preference for the taste of
either material.
• 3. Patients’ oral health related quality of life was better after
wearing dentures made from silicone impressions

• 4 Unadjusted dentures made from silicone impressions were

more comfortable, stable and efficient for chewing.

• 5. After adjustment, the dentures made from silicone

impressions remained more stable and efficient for chewing.
However, the adjustment of the dentures resulted in no
detectable difference in comfort between the dentures

A Randomised Controlled Trial of complete denture impression materials T.P. Hyde a,*, H.L.
Craddock b, J.C. Gray c, S.H. Pavitt d, C. Hulme e, M. Godfrey f, C. Fernandez c, N. Navarro-Coy g,
S. Dillon a, J. Wright g, S. Brownc, G. Dukanovic h, P.A. Brunton
REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE
Impression materials used in various phases of partial denture
fabrication may be classified as

Rigid materials include – plaster of paris and zinc oxide eugenol

paste

Thermoplastic materials – modeling plastic, mouth temperature

wax

Elastic material – hydrocolloids, elastomeric impressions

 Critical review

• Present day irreversible hydrocolloids are sufficiently accurate for

making master casts for removable partial dentures.

However , control of the border width and length of impressions

made with these materials is difficult.

• Mercapatan rubber base impression materials - for large

number of natural teeth present with multiple undercuts these
materials show distortion upon withdrawal
• Additional Silicone – they have less polymerization
shrinkage and a moderately high tear strength.

• Polyether impression materials- They are hydrophilic.

Stiffness of these materials is too high which can result in
breaking of the cast when removal is attempted.
• THE FLOW CHARACTERISTICS ARE LOWEST OF POLYETHER
THERBY LIMITING ITS USE IN REMOVABLE PROSTHETICS .

• Metallic Oxide pastes – these are used as 2o impression

materials for distal extension removable partial denture if a
custom tray is properly designed.
 FIXED PARTIAL DENTURE

• There is an extensive variety of materials for making a precision

negative mold of soft and hard tissues. In order of their historical
development, they consist of the following:

• 1. Reversible hydrocolloid
• 2. Irreversible hydrocolloid
• 3.Polysulfide polymer
• 4. Condensation silicone
• 5. Polyether
• 6. Addition silicone
Rosensteil, Stephhen F. Contemporary fixed
prosthodontics, 3rd edition
According to a study by DOUNIS,
ZIEBERT. AND DOUNIS 1991,

• 1.The polyether and PVS materials were significantly more

accurate than the agar in producing dies for single restorations.

• 2. The polyether and PVS materials produced accurate casts that

would enable the fabrication and assembly of clinically acceptable
FPDs.

• 3. AGAR produced casts that were not sufficiently accurate to

allow for the assembly of clinically acceptable complete arch FPDs.
• According to LIN ET AL, he compared 6 impression
materials used in FPD fabrication namely

He concluded that –
 
• 1. The polyethers produced the most accurate complete-arch
replicas. The second most accurate were the vinyl
polysiloxanes, followed by the polysulfides and the
irreversible-reversible hydrocolloids.
• The least accurate were the reversible hydrocolloids and the
irreversible hydrocolloids.

• 2. The polyether impression materials exhibited the most

consistent accuracy for a master cast to fabricate a complete-
arch FPD
 
Accuracy of impression materials for complete-arch fixed partial dentures
Chang-Chi Lin, B.M.D., M.S.,* Gerald J. Ziebert, D.D.S., M.S.,** Sara Jean
Donegan, D.D.S., MS.,*** and Virenda B. Dhuru, B.S., B.D.S., M.S.****
 DENTAL IMPLANTS

Materials used :

• 1.Alginate
• 2.Agar
• 3.Polysulfides
• 4.Polyether
• 5.Additional silicones
Properties Agar Alginate Polysulfides Polyether Additional
silicones

Dimensional Poor Poor Poor Good even Good even

stability after 1 week after 1 week

Tear Low Low High High High

strength
Stiffness Poor Poor High Highest high

Compatibilit Interferes Interferes Interferes Good Good

y with with its with its due to compatibilty compatibilit
gypsum setting setting release of y
lead dioxide

Setting time Long Short Long Short short

 Critical review
• According to Wee, e he compared all 4 elastomeric impression
materials on the basis of torque during impression removal,
time taken to pour the cast and the accuracy of cast produced
He concluded that
1.Within the limitations of this
study, torque required to rotate an
impression coping in the
impression was significantly
different (in descending order)
from each other:
polyether (medium), addition
silicone (high), and polysulfide
(medium).

2.Implant cast made from

polyether (medium) or addition
silicone (high) was significantly
Comparison of impression materials for direct multi-implant
impressions
Alvin G. Wee, BDS, MSa
• Another study was done by sorrentino et al, that compared
impression materials for the pick up impressions accuracy of
two different variables :
• the length of internal helix connection of impression copings
and the angulation of implants
• Materials compared were polyether and polyvinyl siloxane

• He concluded that-

• 1.The presence of undercuts negatively affected the precision

of the impressions.

• 2 The angulation of the implants may cause strains of

impressions, probably because of the higher forces required
for the impression removal.
 • 3 In the presence of nonparallel implants, the use of addition
silicons resulted in more accurate casts, particularly together
with a shortened length of the connection part of the copings.

• 4 In the presence of parallel implants or when the polyether

was used, a standard length connection of the copings
produced more accurate casts.

Effect of Implant Angulation,Connection Length, and Impression Material on the Dimensional Accuracy of Implant
Impressions:An InVitro Comparative Study
Roberto Sorrentino, DDS, MSc, PhD;* Enrico Felice Gherlone, MD, DDS;† Gaetano Calesini, MD, DDS;‡ Fernando Zarone, MD,
DDS§
 POLYETHER VS POLYVINYL
• POLYETHER has been the recommended impression material in past for fabrication
because of its dimensional stability, rigidity and tear strength

• Another material gaining importance is additional silicone/polyvinyl siloxane but the

main disadvantage is its hydrophobicity.

• These formulations have intrinsic surfactants added which are non ionic surfactants of
nonyl phenoxypolyethanol homologues. ( CHAIL et al Int J Prosthdent)

• Lee et al, JPD 2006 believed PVS impressions are more precise than polyether
- 5 implant analogues embedded at different angulations and found medium
bodied polyether produces less accurate impression and there was no effect
of implant depth on dimensional accuracy of light body and putty PVS

• Lee et al 2008 did a systematic review on accuracy of implant impressions

showed that 10 studies on comparison of accuracy of polyether and PVS
concluded that was no such major difference in accuracy of both impressions
• Polyether is having a major advantage of hydrophilicity over
PVS.

• It is more stiff than PVS with better dimensional stability

• Effectyively used as a single consistency for tray and wash

impressions.

• Tear strength is higher than PVS ( kankane et al 2015) in their

study observed that high dimensional accuracy was observed
with impressions with polyether in direct impression
technique.

• It has better detail reproduction in presence of moisture when

compared to hydrophilic PVS material ( walker et al, 2005 J
prosthdent).
 MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHETICS
• Requirement of impression in maxillofacial defects
 
• Mock surgeries
• Study models
• Fabrication of appliance to fill the defect
Materials used in cleft lip and palate

1.heavy body silicones – best impression

with least flow was acquired

2.Alginate – good replication of surface

details but provided poor tear strength
therefore rapid removal necessary

3. polyvinyl siloxane – greater tear

strength and greatest accuracy of
impression
 
Materials used for hemimandibulectomy and
hemimaaxillectomy-

FOR SELECTIVE IMPRESSION -

• molding plastic
• wax
• metallic oxides
• they are time consuming to produce an
• accurate impression

ALTERNATE TECHNIQUE – single step impression technique uses

• alginate and medium body polyvinyl siloxanes.
 
THERE ARE NO SUCH
SPECIAL IMPRESSION
MATERIALS
DOCUMENTED FOR
MAXILLOFACIAL DEFECTS
BUT ALGINATE HAS BEEN
THE MOST POPULARLY
USED IMPRESSION
MATERIAL.
VIDEO
REFERENCES
 
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dentures . J. Prosthet. Dent. April, 1976
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