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Introduction
Definition
Classification
Ideal requirements
Applications
Properties
Elastomers
Disinfection methods
Recent advances
Impression making with elastomers
Effects of mishandling

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ELASTOMER : An elastomer can be defined as a
three dimensional (crosslinked) polymer network
which has good elasticity and has a wide elastic
range within an intended working temperature
range. (Usually room temperature); these
materials are characterized by low stiffness and
extremely large elastic strains (elastic recovery)

Elastomeric impression material: A group

of flexible chemical polymers that are either
chemically or physically cross-linked;
generally, they can be easily stretched and
rapidly recover their original dimensions
when applied stresses are released
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ELASTICITY AND VISCOELASTICITY

• An impression material sustains some deformation as it is

removed from the mouth but it must rebound to its pre-removal
dimensions.
• An impression with sufficiently high elastic limit should not sustain
permanent deformation.
• To understand why impression material must exhibit permanent
deformation after being subjected to a compressive force during
removal and why recovery of elastic deformation occurs over a
period of time when the impression material rests on a benchtop
is because all elastomeric impression materials are viscoelastic.
• The characteristic of a viscoelastic solid are intermediate of a
viscous liquid and an elastic solid.
Maxwell- Voigt viscoelastic Model
Sufficiently fluid to adapt to the oral tissues

Viscous enough to be contained in a tray

Able to transform (set) into a rubbery or rigid solid in the mouth in

a reasonable time (less than 7 min),

Resistant to distortion or tearing when removed from the mouth

Dimensionally stable long enough to allow one or more casts

to be poured

Biocompatible

Cost-effective in terms of time as well as the expense of the 6

associated processing equipment.

 APPLICATIONS

1) Impression material for all applications including

o - Fixed partial dentures
o - Dentulous and edentulous impressions
2) Border moulding of special trays.

3) Bite registration

4) As duplicating material for refractory casts

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 CLASSIFICATION:
A) According to chemical nature

Polysilicon
es
Polysulphide (condensati
on
polymerizat
ion type)

Polysilicon
es (addition
Polyether
polymerizat
ion type)
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B) ACCORDING TO CONSISTENCY(VISCOSITY):

Type Description
0 Very high consistency (putty like)

1 High consistency (heavy bodied)

2 Medium consistency (medium bodied)

3 Low consistency (light bodied)

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▪ Dimensional stability
▪ Accuracy
▪ Rheological properties
▪ Elasticity
▪ Tear strength
▪ Biocompatibility
▪ Shelf life

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 ELASTICITY

Condensa
Addition tion polyether polysulphi
silicone silicone de

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 STIFFNESS

Condensa Addition
Polysulfide tion Polyether
silicon
silicon

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Ideally-should flow freely and wet the tissue as it is being
injected to achieve adaptation - then resist flow away
from the intended surface areas.

This will facilitate spreading of heavy-body material on

the impression tray and retain it in the tray. This
phenomenon is called shear thinning/thixotropy.

Polyether – rigid – problem impression of periodontally

weak tooth - # of dies & tearing of impression material at
the sulcus
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❖ Polymerization shrinkage
❖ Loss of byproduct
❖ Thermal contraction from oral temperature to room
temperature
❖ Imbibitions
❖ Incomplete recovery of deformation(visco elastic nature)
➢ Pour within 30 mins – polysulfide & condensation silicon

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 PERMANENT DEFORMATION

• More the elastic limit of the material; less is the permanent deformation.

• The relative amount of permanent deformation following strain increases in

the following order:

Addition Condensation
Polyether Polysulphide
Silicone Silicone

Recovery of elastic deformation by strain is less rapid for the polysulphide

than others.
 The amount of force needed to tear a specified test
specimen divided by the thickness of the specimen is
called the tear strength.

➢ The ranking of tear strength from the lowest to highest

of the impression materials is as follows:

Silicones Polyether Polysulfide

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Also depend on the consistency of the material – Least for light body
Probability of allergic reactions is low
Polysulfide has the lowest cell deathcount

Polyether has the highest cell death count ,toxicity and

contact dermatitis among the class.

The most likely problem is lodgment of impression material

ingingival sulcus resulting in severe inflammation

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Polysulfide 2 yrs
Condensation silicon stannous octoate oxidizes
Orthoethyl silicate is not
stable in presence of tin ester
Addition silicon 1-2 yrs
Poly ether > 2yrs

Cool, dry environment

Tubes always tightly sealed
Container closed 18
POLYSULPHIDES

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 POLYSULPHIDES
First synthetic elastomeric impression material
Also known as MERCAPTAN or THIOKOL

Mode of supply
▪ Collapsible tubes
▪ One labeled Base paste and
▪ Other labeled Accelerator paste
Consistencies
▪ Light body(syringe or wash)
▪ Medium body (regular)
▪ Heavy body
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Base paste •Polysulphide ➢Polymerized and cross
prepolymer with terminal linked to form rubber
and pendant thiol (-SH
groups)-80-85%
•Plasticizer – di-n-butyl ➢To control viscosity
phthalate
•Inert filler- possible ➢To give ‘body’ control
chalk or titanium dioxide- viscosity and modify
16-18% physical properties
Catalyst paste •PbO2 / other alternative ➢To react with thiol
oxidizing agent-60-68% groups- setting
•Sulphur-0.5% ➢Setting reaction
•Inert oil- paraffin type/ ➢To form a paste with
di-n-butyl phthalate PbO2 and sulphur
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 POLYSULPHIDES

SETTING
REACTION

Polysulfide Lead Polysulphide

prepolymer water
dioxide polymer

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 POLYSULPHIDES

Working time – 4-7 mins

Setting time – 7-10 mins
Colder climate- decreases ST
A drop of water accelerates the reaction.
Lowest viscosity
excellent reproduction of details
Dimensional stability -
Percent contraction (at 24hrs) – 0.40%-0.45%
Shrinkage is due to loss of polymerization byproduct
such as water 23
 POLYSULPHIDES

Deformation on removal
caused by rocking the impression while removal;
it should be removed with a single swift pull
High tear strength – 2500-7000 gm/cm2
Biocompatibility – lowest cell death count
Hydrophobic
Unpleasant odor and taste
Can be electroplated with copper sulphate

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 POLYSULPHIDES

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Long working time Requires custom tray

Obnoxious odor
Good tear strength
Tendency to run down patient’s
Radiopaque throat
Stains clothing (PbO2) & messy to
work with
High flexibility
Must be poured within 1 hour
Lower cost Hydrophobic so impression area
has to be dry
Good reproduction of surface
details Long setting time
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CONDENSATION SILICONE

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 CONDENSATION SILICONE
FIRST TYPE OF SILICONE
IMPRESSION MATERIAL

Also known as 'conventional silicone’

Mode of supply
➢ Collapsible tubes
Base paste
Accelerator paste / liquid
➢ Putty is supplied in jars

low, medium, high and very high (putty) consistencies

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 CONDENSATION SILICONE

Composition Function
Base Polydimethyl ➢Undergoes cross
siloxane (liquid linking to form rubber
silicon prepolymer)
•Inert filler - silica
➢Gives ‘body’,
controls viscosity &
modifies physical
properties
Catalyst •Alkyl silica – tetra ➢ Cross linking agent
ethyl silicate
•Stannous octoate ➢ Reaction catalyst
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 CONDENSATION SILICONE
SETTING REACTION

Dimethyl Tetra ethyl Silicon Ethyl

siloxane orthosilicate rubber alcohol

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Stannous octate
 CONDENSATION SILICONE

Working time- 2.5 – 4 mins

Setting time – 6-8 mins
Tear strength – 2300-2600 N/m
% contraction at 24 hrs- 0.38-0.60%
and evaporation of the alcohol
Hydrophobic
Can be electroplated with silver and copper
Stiffer and harder than polysulfide
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 CONDENSATION SILICONE

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

• Clean and pleasant • High polymerization shrinkage

• Volatile alcohol byproduct

• Good working time
• Low tear strength

• Easily seen margins • Hydrophobic

ADDITION SILICONE

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 ADDITION SILICONE

Also known aspolyvinyl siloxane or vinyl polysiloxane

MODE OF SUPPLY
▪
▪ Collapsible tubes
Base paste and
Accelerator paste
▪ Putty is supplied in jars
Consistencies
▪ Light body (syringe or wash)
▪ Medium body (regular)
▪ Heavy body
▪ Putty 33
 ADDITION SILICONE
Composition Function
Base •Poly(methyl hydrogen ➢Undergoes cross
siloxane) linking
• Other siloxane
prepolymers
• Fillers- colloidal silica ➢ controls viscosity
35-75%
Accelerator •Di vinyl polysiloxane
prepolymers ➢ Cross linking agents
•Platinum salt
➢ catalyst
(chloroplatinic acid)
• Palladium ➢ Hydrogen absorber
• Retarders 34

• Fillers
 ADDITION SILICONE

SETTING
REACTION

Polymethy Chloropl
lhydrosilo Divinylpoly Silicon
atinic 35
xane siloxane rubber
acid
 ADDITION SILICONE

Working time – 2-4 mins

Setting time – 4-6.5 mins
Tear strength – 1500-4300 N/m
Percent contraction- 0.14-0.17%
Pseudo plastic
Exhibits lowest permanent diistortIon

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 ADDITION SILICONE

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Highly accurate Hydrophobic

High dimensional stability Expensive
Pleasant to use Hydrogen gas evaluation
Short setting time in some materials
Auto mix available Hydrophilic
If hydrophilic, formulations imbibe
good compatibility with moisture
gypsum Sulfur contamination by
latex glove
POLYETHER

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 POLYETHER

First elastomer to be developed primarily to function as

an impression material
Mode of supply
▪ Collapsible tubes
Base paste
Accelerator paste
Third tube containing thinner may be supplied
Consistencies
▪ Light bodied(syringe or wash)
▪ Medium bodied (regular)
▪ Heavy bodied
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 POLYETHER

COMPOSITION

Base paste •Polyether ➢Cross linked to

(large tube) •Inert filler- silica form rubber
➢To give body’
control viscosity
•Plasticizer- and physical
phthalate properties
➢ To aid mixing
Catalyst paste •Polysulfonate ➢Initiate cross
(small tube) ester linking
•Inert filler – silica
•Plasticizer- ➢To form paste
phthalate 40
 POLYETHER

SETTING
REACTION

Sulfonic
Polyether Cross linked rubber
ester
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 POLYETHER

Working time – 3 mins

Setting time – 6 mins
Tear strength – 1800- 4800 N/m
Percent contraction – 0.19 – 0.24%
least amount of distortion
Pseudo plastic
Biocompatibility – contact dermatitis

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 POLYETHER

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Dimensional stability Set material very stiff

Accuracy Imbibition
Shorter setting time Short working time.
Automix available Allergic
Hydrophillic hypersensitivity
in some cases.
 • Immersion
POLYSULPHIDE • Gluteraldehyde , chlorine compounds,
iodophors, phenolics
SILICONES • Disinfectants requiring more than 30
mins are not recommended

• Immersion with caution

POLYETHER • Chlorine compounds , iodophors
• Short term exposure – avoid distortion

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 RECENT
ADVANCES

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• Surfactants are added to reduce the contact angle; dilute
solution of soap

• Most commonly used – non-ionic surfactants

Oligoether or polyether substructure

Hydrophilic part
silicon compatible hydrophobic part

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Diffusion – controlled transfer of surfactant molecules
from PVS to aqueous phase

Reduction in surface tension

Greater wettability

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Used for making intraoral or extraoral occlusal bite
registrations for fixed or removable restoration and
implants.
Fast intraoral set time of 20 secs – 1 min
Doesnot slump or drip
Supplied as cartridges to be used
With a caulking gun

Commercial name;
Exabyte – Gc
Jet bite – Coltene whaledent

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 This latest technique consists of a double barrel caulking
gun with mixing tip. The tip contains spirals on the inside.
Forcing of the base & accelerator results in its mixing.
e.g. Volume mixer (Kerr), Pentamix(3M ESPE)

Advantages :-
▪More uniform mix
▪Less air bubbles
▪Reduced working time

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Specialised addition silicone
Used for checking errors in the internal surface of crowns
and fpd
Available as two paste system
Areas of premature contacts are revealed as bare areas,
which are marked and removed

Commercial name
Fit Checker - GC

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1. Preparing a tray
2. Managing tissue
3. Preparing the material
4. Making an impression
5. Removing the impression
6. Preparing stone casts and dies

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1.Paint on adhesives
Eg Coltene, Kerr Universal VPS.
2. Spray adhesives
Eg Sili spray

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✓ Polysulfide
➢ Butyl rubber
➢ Styrene / acrylonitrile
Dissolved in volatile solvent such as
chloroform or ketone
✓ Silicones
▪ Polydimethyl siloxane / similar reactant like silicon & ethyl
silicate
▪ Hydrated silica forms of ethyl silicate – bonds with the
tray
▪ Chemical bond between tray material and Polydimethyl
siloxane.
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Hand mixing
Static mixing
Dynamic mechanical mixing

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Multiple mix technique
Mono phase technique
Putty wash technique

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➢ Only one mix is made-Part of it is placed in the tray
➢ Another portion is placed in syringe for injection
➢ Medium viscosity of addition and polyether can be used.

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 ALL ELASTOMERIC IMPRESSION MATERIALS
ARE VISCOELASTIC, AND IT IS NECESSARY TO
USE A QUICK SNAP TO MINIMIZE PLASTIC
DEFORMATION

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Debubblizers, a dilute solution of soap - wettability of
the silicone impression material for the stone slurry
Excellent dimensional stability of addition silicone and
polyether impression - construct two or three casts or
dies

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 COMPARISON OF PROPERTIES
OF ELASTOMERS
Property Polysulphide Condensation Addition Polyethers
s silicones silicones

Viscosity 4 4 4 viscosities single

viscosities viscosities including putty viscosity(regul
including ar) + diluent
putty

Tear 4 1 2 3
resistance
Elasticity Visco elastic Very good Very good Adequate
material
Accuracy Good with Acceptable Good with Good with
special trays with stock stock trays special trays
trays
Dimensional Adequate Poured as Very good Very good in
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stability quickly as low humidity
possible
 1. ROUGH / UNEVEN
SURFACE

➢ Premature removal
➢ Improper mixing ratio
➢ Too rapid polymerisation
➢ Excessive high accelerator / base
ratio – condensation silicone

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2. BUBBLES
➢ Too rapid polymerisation preventing
flow
➢ Air incorporation

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 3.IRREGULARLY
SHAPED VOIDS
➢ Moisture / debris

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 4.ROUGH / CHALKY
STONE CAST
➢ Inadequate cleaning
➢ Excess water left on surface
➢ Excess wetting agent
➢ Premature removal
➢ Improper manipulation
➢ Failure to delay pour

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5.DISTORTION

➢ Resin tray not aged sufficiently

➢ Lack of adhesion
➢ Lack of mechanical retention
➢ Premature development of elastic properties
➢ Excessive bulk
➢ Insufficient relief
➢ Continued pressure
➢ Movement of tray
➢ Premature/improper removal from mouth 70

➢ Delayed pouring
 6. FAULTY
ELECTROPLATING
Dimensional change in the elastomer –
continued polymerisation during
electroplating
Electrodeposited metal tend to contract during
deposition
Flat surface tend to become curved and sharp
angles rounded
Improper adherence of the electroformed
metal to impression material – greater
distortion 71
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