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IMPRESSION
Definition. : a dental impression is a negative replica of the tissues of the oral cavity.

CLASSIFICATION OF IMPRESSION MATERIALS.

I) Based on mode of setting & elasticity

a) Rigid
i) Reversible (thermoplastic)
E.g. impression compound

ii) Irreversible (thermosest)

E.g. Zoe impression paste
Impression plaster.
b) elastic
i) Hydrocolloid
a) reversible
E.g. Agar
b) Irreversible
E.g. Alginate

ii) Elastomeric impression materials

E.g. Polysulfides
Polyether
Addition silicones
Condensation silicones

II) Based on type of impression & area of use

A) Dentulous
i) Primary
E.g. alginate
ii) Secondary
E.g. Elastomers
Agar

B) Edentulous
i) Primary
E.g. Impression compound
Impression plaster
Alginate

ii) Secondary
e.g. ZOE impression paste
Elastomers for CD

III) based on their use in dentistry

A) edentulous
 For complete denture prosthesis
e.g. Impression compound
zoe impression paste
alginate
Elastomers
B) dentulous
i) FPD
ii) RPD
E.g. Agar
Alginate
Elastomers

IV) based on the amount of pressure applied

i) Mucocompressive
e.g. Impression compound
ii) mucostatic
e.g. Impression plaster

V) based on the manipulation

A) hand mixing
i) kneading
e.g. Impression compound ± wet kneading
putty consistency Elastomers
ii) circular motion (with glass slab & spatula)
eg.zoe impression paste
polysulfide
iii) vigorous mixing
e.g. Alginate (figure of 8 motions)

B) mechanical mixing

VI) based on the tray used for impression

A) stock tray
i) types of tray
a) rim locked perforated
e.g. Alginate Elastomers
b) water cooled
e.g. Agar

c) plastic
e.g. Orthodontic tray
ii) based on type of perforation
a) perforated
e.g. Alginate
Elastomers
y? putty wash impression

b) non perforated
e.g. Impression compound
B) special tray
i) base plate wax
e.g. Zoe impression paste
medium body
ii) resin.

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1.? have a pleasant taste & odor

2.? not contain toxic or irritant constituents.

3.? adequate shelf life for requirements of storage & distribution.

4.? economically commensurate with the results obtained.

5.? easy to use with the minimum of equipment.

6.? setting characteristics that meet clinical requirements.

7.? satisfactory consistency texture.

 8.? readily wets oral tissues

9.? elastic properties with freedom from permanent deformation after strain.

10.? adequate strength so it will not break or tear on removal from the mouth.

11.? dimensional stability over temp. & humidity ranges normally found in clinical &

lab. Procedures for a period long enough to permit the production of a cast or die.

12.? compatibility with cast & die materials.

13.?accuracy in clinical use.

14.? readily disinfected without loss of accuracy.

15.?no release of gas or other by products during the setting of the impression or cast &

die materials.






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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.

Supplied as:
1. as sticks, cakes, & cones.
2. colors ± green, brown, red.

Applications:
Type I:
For making primary impressions.
For individual tooth impression
 For peripheral tracing or border moulding.
To check undercuts in inlay preparation.
Type II:
To make a special tray.

Requirements of an ideal impression compound:

1.? harden at or little above mouth temp.
2.? be plastic at a temp. not injurious or harmful to oral tissues.
3.? not containing irritating or toxic ingredients.
4.? harden uniformly when cooled without distortion.
5.? have a consistency when softened which will allow it to reproduce fine details.
6.? be cohesive but not adhesive.
7.? not undergo permanent deformation or fracture while withdrawing the impression
from the mouth.
8.? be dimensionally stable after removal from mouth & during storage.
9.? exhibit a smooth glossy surface after flaming.
10.?withstand trimming with sharp knife without flaking or chipping after hardening.

Composition

Rosin 30
Copal resin 30
Carbuna wax 10
Stearic acid 5
Talc 25
Coloring agent app.

?

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Thermal properties
i) thermal conductivity:
has low thermal conductivity.
Significance:
y? during softening of the material , the outside will soften first & inside last. So
to ensure uniform softening the material should be kept immersed for a long
time in water bath.
y? the layer adjacent to the mouth tissue swill remain soft. Therefore Its imp to
cool the compound thoroughly before removing the impression.

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
impression compound to be manipulated at least 8 .C for adequate flow.

iv) Glass transition temp

y? it is the temp. at which the material loses its hardness or brittleness on heating or
forms a rigid mass.
 y? App. 39 .C
y? Material removed from the mouth after glass transition temp. is reached.

v) Fusion Temp.
y? it¶s the temp. at which the impression compound becomes plastic.
y? Its 43.5.C

vi) Dimensional stability.

y? Poor dimensional stability.
y? To prevent distortion pour the cast within 1 hr.

vii) surface detail reproduction

less because of high viscosity & low flow.

Manipulation
Sticks
Small amt. softened over flame
Cakes
Softened in a thermostatically controlled water bath.

Precautions:
u? prolonged immersion in a water bath is not indicated
u? overheating In water makes the compound sticky & difficult to handle.
u? avoid incorporating water while kneading.

Advantages:
1.? cheap
2.? reusable
3.? does not produce irritation to the patient
4.? impression can be remodified & resoftned again till an accurate impression is
obtained.
5.?
Disadvantages:
1.? difficult to record details accurately.
2.? Soft tissues are compressed due to pressure applied while taking the impression.
3.? Distortion.
4.? Difficult to remove undercuts.
5.? Does not have an pleasant taste.
6.? Can be uncomfortable in patients because of the rigidity.