1.

Mahasiswa mampu menjelaskan komposisi gipsum

(Applied Dental Materials. Ninth Edition. John F. McCabe BSc, PhD, DSc Professor of Dental
Materials Science Newcastle University Angus W.G. Walls BDS, PhD, FDSRCS Professor of
Restorative Dentistry Newcastle University)
Gypsum products used in dentistry are formed by driving off part of the water of crystallization
from gypsum to form calcium sulphate hemihydrate.

Applications of gypsum products in dentistry involve the reverse of the above reaction. The
hemihydrate is mixed with water and reacts to form the dihydrate.

The various types of gypsum product used in dentistry are chemically identical, in that they
consist of calcium sulphate hemihydrate, but they may differ in physical form depending upon
the method used for their manufacture.

Dental plaster (plaster of Paris): Dental plaster is indistinguishable from the white plaster used
in orthopaedics for stabilizing fractured limbs during bone healing. Plaster is produced by a
process known as calcination. Gypsum is heated to a temperature of about 120ºC in order to
drive off part of the water of crystallization. This produces irregular, porous particles which
are sometimes referred to as β-hemihydrate particles (Fig. 3.1a). Overheating the gypsum may
cause further loss of water to form calcium sulphate anhydrite (CaSO4), whilst underheating
produces a signifi cant concentration of residual dihydrate. The presence of both components
has a marked infl uence upon the setting characteristics of the resultant plaster.

Dental stone: Dental stones may be produced by one of two methods. If gypsum is heated to
about 125ºC under steam pressure in an autoclave a more regular and less porous hemihydrate
is formed (Fig. 3.1b). This is sometimes referred to as an α-hemihydrate. Alternatively, gypsum
may be boiled in a solution of a salt such as CaCl2. This gives a material similar to that
produced by autoclaving but with even less porosity. Manufacturers normally add small
quantities of a dye to dental stones (see Fig. 3.2) in order that they may be differentiated from
dental plaster, which is white.

(Phillips Science of Dental Material. 12 Edition. Kenneth J. Anusavice, PhD, DMD. Chiayi
Shen. Ralph Rawls, PhD)
These materials are produced by calcining calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum). Commercially,
the gypsum is ground and subjected to temperatures of 110 °C to 130 °C (230 °F to 266 °F) in
open containers to drive off part of the water of crystallization. This corresponds to the first
step in the reaction (Figure 9-1).
The principal constituent of gypsum-based products is calcium sulfate hemihydrate
[(CaSO4)2•H2O or CaSO4• 12 H2O].
The resulting particle is a fibrous aggregate of fine crystals with capillary pores (Figure 9-2,
A) known as plaster of Paris or dental plaster in dentistry. As the temperature is further raised,
it becomes an anhydrite. This process is known as calcination. As shown in Figure 9-1, when
gypsum is heated in a kettle, vat, or rotary kiln that maintains a wet environment; a crystalline
hemihydrate called dental stone is produced in the form of rods or prisms (Figure 9-2, B).
Because of differences in crystal size, surface area, and degree of lattice perfection, the
resulting powders are often referred to as α-hemihydrate for dental stone and β-hemihydrate
for plaster of Paris.
The β-hemihydrate crystals are characterized by their “sponginess” and irregular shape. In
contrast, the α-hemihydrate crystals are denser and have a prismatic shape. When hemihydrate
particles are mixed with water, the reaction in Figure 9-1 is reversed.
The α-hemihydrate produces a much stronger and harder dihydrate structure than that resulting
from β-hemihydrate. The chief reason for this difference is that the β-hemihydrate crystals are
more irregular in shape and porous in character and require more water to wet the powder
particles so that they can be stirred and poured.
The amount of water required can also be reduced by grinding the hemihydrate particles to
eliminate needlelike crystals and to provide better packing characteristics. It is clear that
various gypsum products require different amounts of water. These differences are accounted
for principally by the shape and compactness of the crystals.
These factors are regulated by the manufacturer and they are dependent on the type of process
used, dehydration temperatures, particle size of the gypsum to be calcined, the calcination time,
the grinding time for the final product, and addition of surface-active ingredients to the final
product. If the calcination process occurs under pressure in a 30% calcium chloride solution or
in the presence of more than 1% of sodium succinate, the resulting hemihydrate crystals will
be shorter and thicker than those produced in a closed container (Figure 9-2, C). Residual
calcium chloride or sodium succinate is removed by washing the powder with hot water. This
type of gypsum-producing product is called modified α-hemihydrate or die stone. These
crystals require even less water for mixing.

(Buku Paduan Fasilitator Ilmu Kedokteran Gigi Dasar Materi Dental Material. Edisi 2.
Abdillah Imron Nasution)

2. Mahasiswa mampu mengidentifikasi tipe gipsum

(Phillips Science of Dental Material. 12 Edition. Kenneth J. Anusavice, PhD, DMD. Chiayi
Shen. Ralph Rawls, PhD)

Such a decrease in strength can be partially attributed to the salt added as an adulterant and to
the reduction in intercrystalline cohesion.
When relatively pure hemihydrate is mixed with minimal amounts of water, the working time
is short and the setting expansion unduly high. However, as just noted, dental gypsum products
contain additives that reduce the setting expansion, increase the working time, and provide a
rapid final set. The addition of more chemicals can upset the delicate balance of these
properties. Thus if a change is desired in the setting time, it should be controlled by modest
alterations in the W/P ratio and/or the spatulation time.

TYPES OF GYPSUM PRODUCTS ADA Specification No. 25 classifies five types of gypsum
products, as shown in Table 9-5, with the property requirement for each type. Some gypsum
materials are formulated for special purposes such as for pouring orthodontic casts or attaching
casts to an articulator. The criterion for selecting any particular gypsum product depends on
the intended use and the physical properties necessary for that particular use. For example, a
dental stone is a poor material for use as an impression material because, if teeth are present, it
would be impossible, because of the high strength of the stone, to remove the impression over
the undercuts in the teeth
without injury to the patient.

IMPRESSION PLASTER (TYPE I) These impression materials are composed of plaster of

Paris (β-hemihydrate; Figure 9-2, A) to which modifiers have been added to regulate the setting
time and setting expansion. Impression plaster is rarely used any longer for making dental
impressions because it has been replaced by less rigid materials such as the hydrocolloids and
elastomers. Descriptions of the impression plaster and applications are given in chapterb8.

MODEL PLASTER (TYPE II) This model plaster or laboratory Type II plaster is now used
principally to fill a flask used in denture construction when setting expansion is not critical and
the strength is adequate according to the limits cited in the ADA specification or ISO standard.
It is usually marketed in the natural white color, thus, contrasting with stones, which are
generally colored.

DENTAL STONE (TYPE III) With the advent of hydrocolloid impression material (Chapter
8), the improved hardness of α-hemihydrate (Figure 9-2, B) made stone dies workable and the
indirect wax pattern possible. Type III stone has a minimal 1-hour compressive strength of 20.7
MPa (3000 psi), but it does not exceed 34.5 MPa
(5000 psi). It is intended for the construction of casts in the fabrication of full dentures to fit
soft tissues. For this application, a slight setting expansion can be tolerated in casts that
reproduce soft tissues, but not when teeth are involved. Type III stones are preferred for casts
used to process dentures because the stone has enough strength for this purpose and the denture
is easier to remove after processing. There are at least two methods for the construction of
the cast. One method is to construct a mold by wrapping soft flat wax strips around the
impression so that they extend approximately 12 mm beyond the tissue side of the impression.
This process is called boxing, which forms the base of the cast.
The mixture of stone and water is then poured into the impression under vibration. The mixture
is allowed to flow slowly in a controlled pathway along the impression so that it forces the air
forward as it fills all tooth impressions without entrapment of air bubbles. Another method is
to fill the impression first as described. The remainder of the stone-water mixture is poured on
a glass plate.
The filled impression is then inverted over a mound of stone, and the base is shaped with the
spatula before the stone sets. Such a procedure is not indicated if the impression can easily be
deformed or if the stone is “runny.” The cast should not be separated from the impression until
it has hardened. The minimal time allowed for setting varies from 45 to 60 minutes, depending
on the rate of setting of the stone or plaster and the type of impression material used.

DENTAL STONE, HIGH STRENGTH (TYPE IV) The principal requisites for a die material
are strength, hardness, and minimal setting expansion. To obtain these properties, modified α-
hemihydrate (Figure 9-2, C) is used. The cube-shaped particles and the reduced surface area
produce such properties without undue thickening of the mix. This material is also called die
stone. A hard surface is necessary for a die stone because the tooth preparation is covered with
wax and carved flush with the margins of the die.
A sharp instrument is used for this purpose; therefore, the stone must be resistant to abrasion.
Gypsum hardening solutions, silver plating, coating with cyanoacrylate adhesive, and other
methods of increasing the abrasion resistance are discussed in Chapter 10. It is fortunate that
the surface hardness increases more rapidly than the compressive strength because the surface
dries more rapidly. This is a real advantage in that the surface resists abrasion, whereas the core
of the die is tough and less subject to accidental breakage. The average dry surface hardness of
the Type IV stones is approximately 92 (Rockwell hardness) and that of Type III stone is 82.
Even though the surface of the Type IV stone is harder, care should be taken when the pattern
is being carved.

DENTAL STONE, HIGH STRENGTH, HIGH EXPANSION (TYPE V) This gypsum product
exhibits an even higher compressive strength than the Type IV dental stone. The improved
strength is attained by making it possible to lower the W/P ratio even further than that used for
Type IV stone. In addition, the setting expansion has been increased from a maximum of 0.10%
to 0.30% (Table 9-5).
The rationale for increasing setting expansion is that certain newer alloys, such as base metal,
have a greater casting shrinkage than do the traditional noble metal alloys (Chapter 16). Thus,
higher expansion is required in the stone die to aid in compensating for the alloy solidification
shrinkage. The use of a Type V stone may also be indicated when the expansion achieved
during the fabrication of cast crowns is inadequate. One should avoid the use of Type V stones
for producing dies for inlays and onlays since the higher expansion may lead to an unacceptably
tight fit. Additional information on the use of Type IV and V stones is provided in the
discussion of die materials in Chapter 10.

SPECIAL GYPSUM PRODUCTS The orthodontist prefers a white stone or plaster for study
models and may even treat the surface with soap to increase their sheen. These products
generally have a longer working time, which reduces void formation and facilitates trimming.
The use of an articulator makes it necessary to mount the casts using a gypsum-producing
product. These materials are referred to as “mounting” stones or plasters. They are fast setting
and have low setting expansion. The mounting plaster has a sufficiently low strength to permit
easy trimming and facilitate separating the cast from the articulator mounting plates. Some
products are designed to save time. One type is extremely fast setting and is ready to use in 5
minutes, but it has little working time. Another product changes color to indicate when it is
ready for use. In addition, one specialty product contains a small amount of plastic or resin to
reduce brittleness and improve resistance to abrasion during the carving of wax patterns.
Usually, when one feature is improved, another is sacrificed. A faster set is accepted in return
for less working time. An improved resistance to carving is accepted in return for more difficult
manipulation, decreased detail reproduction, or the need to box the impression because of
excessive runniness. Improvements in materials and testing equipment have made it possible
to use silicone-stone combinations that can reproduce spaces between lines as fine as 10 µm or
less. Current specifications or standards require an accuracy of only 50 µm. At present many
gypsum products are available to suit almost all individual requirements or combinations
thereof.

(Clinical Aspect of Dental Material. 4 Edition. Marcia Gladwin. Michael Bagby)

A. Plaster Plaster was the first gypsum product available for dentistry. It is manufactured by
grinding the gypsum rock into a fi ne powder and then heating that powder in an open container.
This direct and rapid heating in open air drives part of the water of crystallization from the
crystal and shatters the crystal. The resulting powder consists of porous, irregular particles (Fig.
9.4A). Plaster is the weakest and least expensive of the three gypsum products. It is used mainly
when strength is not a critical requirement, such as preliminary casts for complete dentures and
attaching casts to a mechanical device called an articulator. This device simulates the patient’s
occlusion and mastication process and is shown in Figures 1.8C and 11.6F; these photographs
illustrate the use of plaster to secure the cast to the articulator. Plaster is usually white in color
and sometimes is referred to as beta-hemihydrate or Type II. In the past, plaster was modifi ed
for use as an impression material by the addition of chemicals and was called impression plaster
(see Impression Materials).

B. Stone Stone is made from gypsum by carefully controlled calcination under steam pressure
in a closed container. This method of calcination slowly releases the water of crystallization
from the crystal so that the resultant powder particle (Fig. 9.4B) is more regular, more uniform
in shape, and less porous compared to that of plaster. Stone is stronger and more expensive
than plaster. It is used mainly in making casts for diagnostic purposes and casts for complete
and partial denture construction, which require greater strength and surface hardness than that
of plaster. The stone is usually yellow, but it can be obtained in other colors. It is often referred
to as alpha-hemihydrate, Type III stone, or Hydrocal.

C. High-Strength or Improved Stone High-strength stone, or improved stone, is also made from
gypsum by calcining the gypsum in a calcium chloride solution. This method of calcination
results in a powder particle that is very dense, is cuboidal in shape, and has a reduced surface
area. High-strength stone is the strongest and most expensive of the three gypsum products,
and it is used mainly for making casts or dies for crown, bridge, and inlay fabrication. Figure
9.3 shows an example of an improved stone cast and several dies for the fabrication of crowns.
This material is used because high strength and surface hardness are required during the
fabrication process; the fabrication of crowns is described in the next chapter. High-strength
stone is often referred to as Type IV stone, die stone, densite, and modifi ed alphahemihydrate.
A newly developed high-strength stone with a higher compressive strength than that of Type
IV stone is also available. It displays higher setting expansion and is referred to as Type V
stone.

D. Other Types of Gypsum Other types of gypsum products are produced for special uses, such
as fast set, mounting of casts on articulators, and impressions. Gypsum-based investments are
presented in Chapter 10, Fixed Indirect Restorations.

3. Mahasiswa mampu menjelaskan karakteristik gipsum

4. Mahasiswa mampu menjelaskan manipulasi gipsum

(Phillips Science of Dental Material. 12 Edition. Kenneth J. Anusavice, PhD, DMD. Chiayi
Shen. Ralph Rawls, PhD)
MANIPULATION OF GYPSUM PRODUCTS So far, we have discussed the types of gypsum
products based on their crystal form, their applications and their setting processes, which may
affect the dimensions and strength of the set material. In practice, clinicians and technicians
must not only produce a cast using a gypsum-producing material, but they must also store the
powder properly and maintain the cast in its best condition for subsequent procedures.

CARE OF GYPSUM PRODUCTS The hemihydrate of gypsum absorbs water from the air
readily. For example, if the relative humidity of the surroundings exceeds 70%, the plaster
absorbs sufficient moisture from the air to start a setting reaction. The first hydration probably
produces a few crystals of gypsum on the surface of the exposed hemihydrate crystals. These
gypsum crystals can act as nuclei of crystallization and accelerate the setting reaction when
they are mixed with water. If the hydration is allowed to continue, this process results in the
hemihydrate crystals being completely covered with dihydrate crystals. Under these conditions,
the water penetrates the dihydrate coating with difficulty and the setting time is prolonged.
Therefore, it is important that all gypsum products be stored in a dry atmosphere. The best
means of storage is to seal the product in a moisture-proof metal container. When gypsum
products are stored in closed containers, the setting time is generally retarded only slightly,
approximately 1 or 2 min per year. This may be counteracted by a slight increase in the mixing
time if necessary.

PROPORTIONING The recommended W/P ratio should be used. The water and powder
should be measured by using an accurate graduated cylinder for the water volume and a
weighing balance for the weight of powder. The powder should not be measured by volume
(as by using a scoop) as it does not pack uniformly. This characteristic may vary from product
to product, and it will pack more densely if the container remains undisturbed. When the
container is shaken, the packed particles will be loosened and the volume will increase as a
result of air entrapment. Preweighed envelopes are very popular because they promote
accuracy, reduce waste, and save time. However, this preweighed, packaged material adds to
the cost of producing models and casts.

MIXING AND POURING If mixing is performed by hand, the bowl should be parabolic in
shape, smooth, and resistant to abrasion. The spatula should have a stiff blade and a handle that
is convenient to hold. A measured amount of water is placed in the bowl and the weighed
powder is sifted into the water as initial hand mixing is performed. The mixture is then
vigorously stirred, with periodic wiping of the inside of the bowl with the spatula to ensure
wetting of all of the powder and breaking up of any agglomerates or lumps. The mixing should
continue until a smooth mix is obtained, usually within a minute. A longer spatulation time
drastically reduces the working time, which is of particular importance when pouring models.
Entrapment of air in the mix must be avoided, since porosity can lead to weak spots and surface
inaccuracies. After mixing, the use of a vibrator of high frequency and low amplitude is helpful
in reducing air entrapment. The preferred method of mixing is to use a mechanical mixer under
vacuum. First, the measured water is added to the bowl, followed by gradual addition of the
preweighed powder. The powder is incorporated during approximately 15 s of mixing with a
hand spatula, followed by 20 to 30 s of mechanical mixing under vacuum. The strength and
hardness obtained from such vacuum mixing usually exceed that obtained by 1 minute of hand
mixing. Repeatedly adding water and powder by guesswork to achieve the proper consistency
should be avoided. This yields a lower strength and may cause distortion. The mixing bowl
with the dental stone mixture is then placed on top of a vibrator to eliminate entrapped air
bubbles and the impression tray is held in one hand against the vibrator. The surface of the
impression should be free of excess water. With the metal spatula, a small amount of dental
stone is added to one open end of the impression (e.g., in the last molar of a full arch
impression). The speed of the vibrator should be adjusted high enough to make the stone flow
slowly into adjacent spaces. If the speed of vibration is too high, it can generate air bubbles
within the stone mixture. The impression may be tilted to control the movement of the stone
into the tooth depression. Additional stone is added behind the moving front to promote the
flow of stone and to ensure that the previously filled area does not lose much of its volume.
Once the tooth depressions are completely filled, larger
amounts of dental stone can be added under light vibration to fill the remaining impression up
to the mucobuccal fold or rim of the boxed area around the impression tray. The impression is
then briefly placed on the vibrator for a few seconds to distribute the stone evenly across the
impression. If the inversion method is used, a mound of stone about 20 mm high is made on a
flat surface, such as glass plate, with the remainder of the mixture or with a new mix using a
lower W/P ratio. The filled impression, which should exhibit the initial set but not the final set,
is then inverted over the mound of stone and the base is shaped with the spatula before the
stone sets. The dental stone model should be left undisturbed for 45 to 60 min until the material
has set completely. The dental stone model is now separated from the impression. When tooth
preparations are involved, a smaller spatula may be used to deliver a much smaller amount of
stone to fill the sites of the preparations and ensure complete filling before the remaining
portion of the impression is poured.

CARE OF THE CAST Once the setting reactions in the cast have been completed, its
dimensions will be relatively constant under ordinary conditions of room temperature and
humidity. However, it is sometimes necessary to soak the gypsum cast in water in preparation
for other procedures. When a dry cast is immersed in water, negligible expansion may occur if
the water is saturated with calcium sulfate. If the water is not saturated, dissolution of gypsum
will occur. For example, a stone cast immersed in a container under running water will lose
approximately 0.1% of its linear dimension for every 20 min of immersion. The safest method
for soaking the cast is to place it in a water bath with gypsum debris remaining on the bottom
of the container to provide a saturated solution of calcium sulfate. If the storage temperature is
raised to between 90 °C and 110 °C (194 °F to 230 °F), shrinkage occurs, along with loss of
strength as the water of crystallization is removed and the dihydrate reverts to the hemihydrate
form. As a rule of thumb, it is not safe to store or heat a stone cast in air at a temperature higher
than 55 °C (130 °F).

INFECTION CONTROL Concern over possible cross-contamination of dental office

personnel by microorganisms, including hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus,
via dental impressions has prompted study of the effect of spray and immersiondisinfecting
techniques on impression materials (Chapter 8).
The effect of such agents on the surface quality and accuracy of the resulting gypsum casts is
an important consideration. If an impression has not been disinfected or if the laboratory had
no assurance that an appropriate disinfection protocol was followed, it will be necessary to
disinfect the stone cast. Disinfection solutions can be used that do not adversely affect the
quality of the gypsum cast. Alternatively, disinfectants can be incorporated either in the powder
or dissolved in the mixing water. Addition of a disinfectant in the gypsum products would
undoubtedly have an effect on some of the properties of certain products, such as strength,
setting expansion, and setting time. The precise effect depends on the types of gypsum and
antimicrobial agents used. Nonetheless, the disinfected stones apparently compare favorably
with nondisinfected controls.
The same microwave irradiation used in drying gypsum casts has also been evaluated in
infection control. One study showed that a 5-min irradiation at 900 W reduced microorganism
counts (cfu/mL) with a median log value of six to median counts (cfu/mL) of zero. Data on the
effectiveness of microwave irradiation on different microorganism species, based on the power
setting, the duration needed, and the influence of prolonged irradiation on the properties of the
gypsum cast, are not available. The widespread availability of a spectrum of disinfected dental
stone casts (Type II to Type V) with proven efficacy and unimpaired physical properties will
undoubtedly strengthen the barrier system of infection control in the dental laboratory.

(Clinical Aspect of Dental Material. 4 Edition. Marcia Gladwin. Michael Bagby)

Setting Reaction
When any of the three types of calcium sulfate hemihydrate is mixed with water, the
hemihydrate is changed back to dihydrate by the process of hydration. Heat is liberated, as
shown by the following reaction: CaSO4·½H2O + 1·H2O CaSO4·2H2O + heat The calcium
sulfate hemihydrate dissolves in the mixing water to form the dihydrate, which is less soluble
than the hemihydrate. The calcium sulfate dihydrate precipitates out of solution as interlocking
crystals, which form a hard mass.

Water/Powder Ratio
The proportion of water to powder used to make a workable mix of a particular gypsum product
is called the water/powder ratio. For dental use, an excess amount of measured water above the
theoretically correct amount required for hydration is always necessary. This excess amount is
needed to make a workable mix or slurry that can be poured and shaped. The excess water is
distributed as free water in the set mass without taking part in the chemical reaction, and it
contributes to subsequent porosity or microscopic voids in the set product. The proper
water/powder ratio for each product depends on the physical characteristics of the powder
particles. Plaster requires more gauging water (measured water) to wet the powder surfaces, fi
ll the pores, and fl oat the irregular porous particles. The dense particles of stone require less
gauging water to fl oat them, and their regular shape allows them to roll over one another more
easily. High-strength stone, because of its very dense and cuboidal type of particle as well as
modifi cations made by the manufacturer, requires even less gauging water than stone. For
dental use, the proper water/powder ratios (quotients) are as follows:
• For the average mix of plaster, 45–50 ml/100 g (0.45–0.50)
• For the average mix of stone, 28–30 ml/100 g (0.28–0.30)
• For the average mix of improved stone, 19–24 ml/100 g (0.19–0.24)
This difference in the amount of measured water that is required to make a workable mix results
in different consistencies for the products when fi rst mixed at the proper water/powder ratio.
Plaster is usually thin in consistency, like a ‘smoothie,’ whereas improved stone is like thick
cake batter. Dental stone has an intermediate consistency. The water/powder ratio has a direct
effect on the properties of each gypsum product and must be controlled for optimum results.
Setting Time

A. Definitions Knowledge of the setting characteristics of a gypsum product is important for

proper manipulation. The clinician should be aware of two time intervals in the setting process.
1. Working Time or Initial Setting Time Working time or initial setting time is the length of
time from the start of the mix until the setting mass reaches a semi-hard stage. It represents the
available time for manipulating the product, and it indicates partial progress of the setting
reaction.
2. Final Setting Time Final setting time represents the length of time from the start of the mix
until the setting mass becomes rigid and can be separated from the impression. The fi nal setting
time indicates the major completion of the hydration reaction.

B. Measurement
Setting times are usually measured with a surface penetration test. Gillmore needles are
commonly used for this measurement and are shown in. Figure 9.5. When the surface of the
setting product has developed suffi cient strength to support the weight of the ¼-lb needle and
of the 1-lb needle, the initial setting time and the fi nal setting time, respectively, have occurred.
In other words, each designated setting time is reached when its respective needle no longer
makes an indentation in the gypsum specimen. This method is somewhat arbitrary, and it is
diffi cult to correlate directly with the setting reaction. In addition, the resulting values are
mainly used for comparisons of different products. For practical purposes in a typical dental
offi ce, loss of surface gloss can be used as a determination of the working time; it is typically
5 to 7 minutes. The failure of penetration by a fi ngernail or dull knife would indicate relative
rigidity and hardness and could be used as an indication of fi nal set. Usually, a time of 30 to
45 minutes is used as a subjective criterion for the time of fi nal set.

C. Variation in Setting Times

The setting time of a gypsum product is controlled by the manufacturer’s particular
formulation. Hence, several gypsum products are available with varying setting characteristics.
Either a fast-setting or a slow-setting product can be purchased. Sometimes, it may be
necessary to modify the setting time of a gypsum product in the dental offi ce. Increased and
decreased setting times may be obtained in the following ways:
1. Increased Setting Time (A Slower-Setting Product) (a) Decreased mixing. (b) Higher
water/powder ratio (creates a thinner mix). (c) Addition of certain chemicals called retarders.
A commonly used retarder is borax.
2. Decreased Setting Time (A Faster-Setting Product). (a) Increased mixing (the longer the
mixing time, the shorter the setting time). (b) Lower water/powder ratio (creates a thicker mix).
(c) Addition of certain chemicals called accelerators.
A commonly used accelerator is potassium sulfate. Other chemicals can be used, but their effect
on the setting time depends on concentration and other factors. Improper storage and use of
gypsum products can also change the setting characteristics. Because water is essential for the
setting reaction, any moisture that inadvertently comes in contact with the product can change
the setting time. Thus, gypsum products should be stored in airtight containers to prevent any
uptake of water resulting from high relative humidity. As a result, preweighed packages have
become popular for some gypsum products. The fi rst indication of moisture contamination
is faster setting of the product. If the contamination continues, slower setting occurs.

Setting Expansion
All gypsum products expand externally on setting. Plaster expands the most, at 0.2% to 0.3%.
Stone expands 0.08% to 0.10%. High-strength stone expands the least, at 0.05% to 0.07%.
Theoretically, a contraction on setting can be calculated; however, the growing crystals of the
gypsum push against each other and cause an outward crystal thrust. In turn, this thrust causes
an external expansion with resulting internal porosity in the set mass. A minimal setting
expansion is desirable to achieve accurate dimensional reproduction for most casts and dies.
Manufacturers modify most gypsum products that are used for casts and dies to provide for
minimal expansion. They do this by the addition of chemicals, which also control the setting
characteristics. Thus, a particular gypsum product has both the setting time and expansion
characteristics controlled by the manufacturer. The setting expansion can be controlled by
manipulating variables. A thicker mix and increased spatulation will cause an increase in the
amount of setting expansion; a thinner mix and decreased spatulation will cause a decrease in
the amount of setting expansion. In most dental offi ces, however, there is little need to change
the expansion characteristics of gypsum products. If gypsum materials are immersed in or come
in contact with water during the setting process, the setting expansion increases. This is called
hygroscopic expansion, and it can be used to increase the setting expansion of casting
investments. Casting investments are discussed in the next chapter. Although small,
hygroscopic expansion is approximately twice as great as the normal setting expansion.
Therefore, to prevent an inadvertent increase in size, routine casts should not be immersed in
water during setting.

5. Mahasiswa mampu menjelaskan aplikasi gipsum

(Applied Dental Materials. Ninth Edition. John F. McCabe BSc, PhD, DSc Professor of Dental
Materials Science Newcastle University Angus W.G. Walls BDS, PhD, FDSRCS Professor of
Restorative Dentistry Newcastle University)
Applications When strength, hardness and accuracy are required dental stones are normally
used in preference to dental plaster. The stone materials are less likely to be damaged during
the laying down and carving of a wax pattern and give optimal dimensional accuracy. Thus,
these materials are used when any work is to be carried out on the model or die as would be
the case when constructing a denture on a model or a cast alloy crown on a die. When
mechanical properties and accuracy are not of primary importance the cheaper dental plaster is
used. Thus, plaster is often used for mounting stone models onto articulators and sometimes
for preparing study models.

Advantages and disadvantages

Gypsum model and die materials have the advantages of being inexpensive and easy to use.
The accuracy and dimensional stability are good and they are able to reproduce fi ne detail
from the impression, providing precautions are taken to prevent blow holes. The mechanical
properties are not ideal and the brittle nature of gypsum occasionally leads to fracture –
particularly through the teeth, which form the weakest part of any model.