Impression Materials
Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA).
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Produced in the United States of America
ISBN 0-7216-9770-4
Introduction
Impression materials are used to obtain an
impression of teeth and/or the surrounding oral
tissues.
Definition of Impressions
Impressions are negative reproductions of
dental structures.
Classification of Impressions
Preliminary impressions
Taken either by the dentist or an
expanded-function dental assistant.
Used to make a reproduction of the teeth
and surrounding tissues.
Used to make (1) diagnostic models, (2)
custom trays, (3) provisional coverage, (4)
orthodontic appliances, and
(5) pretreatment and post-treatment
records.
Impression Trays
Must be sufficiently rigid to:
Carry the impression material into the oral
cavity.
Hold the material in close proximity to the
teeth.
Avoid breaking during removal.
Prevent warping of the completed
impression.
teeth.
Extends approximately 2 to 3 mm beyond the
third molar, retromolar, or tuberosity area of the
arch.
Is sufficiently deep to allow 2 to 3 mm of
material between the tray and incisal or occlusal
edges of the teeth.
Tray Adhesives
VPS adhesives (blue)
Irreversible Hydrocolloid
Material that cannot return to a solution state
Makeup of Alginate
Potassium alginate
Alginate Settings
Normal set alginate
Water-to-Powder Ratio
An adult mandibular impression generally
lateral incisors.
There is a complete "peripheral roll," which includes all of
the vestibular areas.
The tray is not "overseated," which would result in
exposure of areas of the impression tray.
The impression is free from tears or voids.
There is sharp anatomic detail of all teeth and soft
tissues.
The retromolar area, lingual frenum, tongue space, and
mylohyoid ridge are reproduced in the mandibular
impression.
The hard palate and tuberosities are recorded in the
maxillary impression.
Reversible Hydrocolloid
An impression material that changes its
4.
5.
6.
Characteristics or Elastomeric
Impression Materials
Base
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Polysulfide
Polyether
Silicone
Polyvinyl siloxane
material first.
Transfer the material to the fresh surface of the mixing
pad.
Water, saliva, and blood affect polysulfide material.
Impression should be removed quickly after setting-do not
rock the tray.
Adhesive must be thin and dry before adding the
impression material.
Wait 20 to 30 minutes before pouring the impression for
the stress relaxation to occur in the material.
Be careful of glove powder contamination of the
impression.
Base: Polyether
Cross-linking agent: Sulfate
Catalysts: Glycol-based plasticizers
Filler: Silica
impression material.
Pouring of the model can be delayed up to 7 to
10 days.
Stiffness of the material makes removal of the
tray difficult.
Material dispensed using auto-mixing unit and
mixing tips.
Occlusal Registration
An accurate registration of the normal
paste
ZOE paste has little to no resistance to bite
closure and is a fast-setting material.
Material is supplied in a paste system and
dispensed onto a paper pad, mixed, and
placed onto a gauze tray for the patient to
bite into.