Classification Gypsum Products

Gypsum, or calcium sulfate dihydrate, is a soft sulfate mineral having the chemical formula CaSO42H2O.
Gypsum products are one of the most often used dental materials for creating dental casts and dies, which
are then used to create indirect dental restorations. Gypsum goods are made from natural gypsum minerals
and come in fine hemihydrate powder form, which is made by heating powdered gypsum. The combination
reverts to gypsum after being mixed with water. According to their qualities and functions, the American
Dental Association (ADA) divides gypsum products into five categories: impression plaster (type I), dental
plaster (type II), dental stone (type III), enhanced stone (type IV), and high expansion improved stone (type
V) . As previously stated, they all share the same chemical formula; the only difference is in particle size
and shape. Casts or models, dies, and investments are the most common applications.
Type I and type II are grouped together for convenience rather than because their compositions or attributes
are comparable. The materials' inability to adequately capture undercuts is one element that connects them.
When set, one of the components (plaster) becomes brittle and cracks when removed over undercuts. When
utilized in undercut conditions, the other products are prone to severe distortions owing to plastic flow.
Impression plaster (type I) is made out of plaster of Paris that has had modifiers added to control the curing
time and expansion. Because of the fast setting time and the addition of a taste to this gypsum, it may be
used as a dental plaster for creating imprints. You may also use this gypsum as a quick-to-apply Articulation
Plaster. This plaster ensures an accurate imprint due to its manageability, creamy smoothness, and minimal
expansion. The substance has a greater water/powder ratio (about 0.60) than other modelling plasters. The
fluid mix is essential to record fine detail in the imprint and to provide mucostatic qualities to the substance.
Anti-expansion chemicals are used to keep the setting expansion of dental plaster to a minimum. The most
prevalent of them is potassium sulphate. To produce a clear separation between the impression and the
model after casting the model, a color like as alazarin red is usually employed. Some producers mix the anti-
expansion agent, retarder, and pigment into the imprint plaster powder. An anti-expansion solution including
potassium sulphate, borax, and pigment can be made and used with a conventional white plaster as an
alternative. The method of calcination is used to make dental plaster (type II). Gypsum is heated to roughly
120 degrees Celsius to drive out some of the crystallization water. -hemihydrate particles are irregular,
porous particles formed as a result of this process. It is frequently sold in its natural white tint, which
contrasts with colorful stones.
The alpha form of calcium sulfate hemihydrate is dental stone (type III). High-strength stone is another
name for it. The gypsum is calcined in this method by boiling it in a 30 percent calcium chloride solution.
It's used to make casts for complete dentures that need to suit delicate tissues. Type III stones are
recommended for castings used in the fabrication of dentures because they are more durable.
Despite their benefits, such as ease of manipulation and inexpensive cost, dental plasters have low surface
microhardness, compressive strength, and setting expansion.
Improved stone (type IV) is commonly used to make final dental castings because of its superior mechanical
features, including as abrasion resistance and strong compressive strength, as well as great accuracy due to
low setting expansion compared to other gypsum product types. Strength, hardness, and little setting
expansion are the most important characteristics of a die material. Modified alpha hemihydrate was used to
achieve these qualities. The cube-shaped particles and decreased surface area generate these qualities
without causing the mixture to thicken excessively. Die stone is another name for this substance. Because
the tooth preparation is coated with wax and cut flush with the die's borders, a firm surface is required for a
die stone. The die tone has an average dry surface hardness of around 92. This is a greater level of dental
stone than type IV. To compensate for alloy solidification shrinkage, the stone die must have a higher
expansion.
The high expansion dice stones (type V) are similar to type IV but start at.16 and increase in size. This
product is designed to create a hard, glass-like surface. It is non-brittle and has a high compressive strength.
Produces high-quality models. Flows easily into preparations yet does not sag when stacked.
Sources:
1.Dental Plaster, SlideShare, Anubhav Sharma
2.Gypsum- Plaster & Dental Stone, Dental Technology
3. Hamdy, T.M., Abdelnabi, A. & Abdelraouf, R.M. Reinforced dental plaster with low setting expansion
and enhanced microhardness
4. Dental Science, Gypsum Products in Dentistry: Types, Uses, Properties