Impression Materials

Contents:
 Introduction
 Classification
 Requirements
 Rigid impression materials
Impression Compound
Zinc oxide-Eugenol Impression paste
Impression Plaster
Impression waxes
 Hydrocolloid Impression materials
Reversible Hydrocolloid - Agar
Irreversible Hydrocolloid – Alginate
 Nonaqueous Elastomeric Impression materials
 Conclusion
 Bibliography
Introduction

Impression material is a dental material whose function

is to accurately record the dimensions of oral tissues
and their spatial relationship.

Each type possesses characteristics which influences

the purpose to which its best suited..
 Classification:
Impression material

Elastic Nonelastic

Hydrocolloid Rubber
ZOE Imp. Compound
Agar Alginate

Mercaptan Polyether Silicone

Lead oxide Clear Condensation Addition

catalyst catalyst
1. According to setting reaction
Irreversible (Chemical Reaction)
 Plaster of Paris
 ZOE
 Alginate
 Non aqueous Elastomer
Reversible (Temperature changes)
Thermoplastic materials
 Impression compound
 Wax
Non-thermoplastic materials
 Agar
II. According to elasticity

Elastic impression materials

 Alginate
 Agar
 Non-aqueous elastomers

Non-elastic impression materials

 Impression compound
 Impression plaster
 Zinc-oxide Eugenol
 Wax
III. According to use in dentistry
For obtaining impression of dentulous mouth
 Alginate
 Agar
 Non-aqueous elastomers

For obtaining impression of edentulous mouth

 Impression compound
 Impression plaster
 Zinc-oxide Eugenol
 Wax
IV.According to viscosity
Mucostatic materials
 Impression plaster
 Agar
 Alginate

Mucocompressive materials
 Impression compound
Requirements:

 Fluid enough to adapt to oral tissues.

 Viscous enough to be contained in the tray.
 Should set into a rubbery or rigid solid in mouth.
 Set impression should not distort or tear when
removed from the mouth.
 Adequate setting characteristics that meet clinical
requirements.
 Adequate strength.
 Should possess elastic properties.
 Dimensional stablity.
 Compatible with die and cast materials.
 Easy to use with minimum equipment
 Pleasant taste, odour, and esthetic color.
 Non toxic or irritating.
 Adequate shelf life.
 Economical.
IMPRESSION COMPOUND

Rigid.
Thermoplastic.
Muco-compressive .
 Composition:
Ingredients Function
Waxes Soften on heating .
(Beeswax, colophany) Brittle,Tasteless, Odorless and greasy to touch.

Thermoplastic resins Primarily responsible for transition from solid to

(Rosin, Shellac, Copal liquid state.
resin) Account for more then 50%.

Filler Increases viscosity at temp above mouth temp.

(Chalk, talk, Limestone) Increases rigidity at room temp.

Plastcizers Improves plasticty and workability.

(Guttapercha Stearic
acid, Shellac)

Colouring agents Identify different brands and different softening

temperature.
 Types:
According to ADA Specification No. 3

Type Flow at Use

37ºC 45ºC

Type 1 Less than More than Preliminary impressions of

Impression 6% 85% edentulous patients.
compound Peripheral seal materials.
Impression of single crowns for
copper band impressions.

Type 11 Less than 70-85% Primarily used as tray materials

Tray compound 2% that are sufficiently rigid to
support other impression
materials.
Mode of supply:
Cakes Cones Sticks Cylinders
 Brown
 Higher working temp.(55.5-56.1ºC)
 For extending short borders of custom trays.
 Green
 Lowest working temp.(50-51.5ºC)
 Most popular: Easy flow & good handling properties.
 Grey
 Average working temp.(53.3-54.4ºC)
 Longer period of flow (compared to green).
 White: 55.5-56.6ºC
High fusing, mainly used in cake form.
 Black : 56.1-57.2ºC
Properties:
Fusion Temperature (43.5ºC)

Practical Significance: Indicates a definite reduction

in plasticity of material
during cooling.
Above this temperature: Softened material remains
plastic.

Once the impression tray is seated, it should be firmly

held in position until the impression cools below fusion
temperature.
Thermal Conductivity:

Low  During softening, outside layer softens first

and inside last.
Impression should be withdrawn from
mouth only after its hardened throughout.

Thermal Contraction:

Linear contraction on cooling from mouth to room

temperature: 0.3 -0.4%
 Glass Transition Temperature (39ºC)

 Non-crystalline solids
 No definite melting temperature.
 Gradually soften as the temperature is raised.

The temperature at which there is an abrupt increase in

thermal expansion coefficient indicating increased
mobility is called Glass Transition Temperature which
is characterized by a glassy structure.

 Below this temperature: Loses its fluid characteristics

and has significant resistance
to shear deformation.
Dimensional stability

Ensured by carefully preparing and handling the

materials.

 Avoiding over or prolonged heating.

 Adequate flow to allow close adaptation to tissues

and minimum of internal stress in impression.

 The tray, copper band or other container used to

convey the compound to the mouth must be strong,
rigid and stable.
 Impression should be withdrawn from mouth only
after its hardened throughout.

 Cast or die should be made as soon as possible to

avoid inaccuracies caused by release of stress.

 Causes of internal stress :

High Coefficient of thermal expansion.
Poor thermal conductivity.
Relatively large temp. drop from softening to room
temp.
 Manipulation:
 Treated in thermostatically
controlled water bath
at 55–600C.

 Compound added to
the water in small pieces.

 It must be immersed in a water bath for sufficient time to

ensure complete softening. However, if it is left too long,
some of the constituents may be washed out, thereby
altering the properties.
Wet Kneading
 If kneaded in water, water will become incorporated
in the material and acts as a plasticizer.
 By kneading for 1-3 minutes, the flow of compound
may be more than doubled.

Construction of Cast
 Gypsum product with in one hour.

Disinfection of impression:
 Rinse to remove blood, debris & saliva.
 10 to 30 minutes immersion in Gluteraldehyde or
Iodophor.
 Advantages
 Rigid when set.
 Inexpensive.
 Non toxic.

Disadvantages
 Due to pressure while making impression, tissues will
be compressed.
 Distorts easily leading to poor dimensional stability.
 Cannot be removed from undercuts.
 High thermal expansion.
 Does not reproduce fine surface details.
ZINC-OXIDE EUGENOL
IMPRESSION PASTE
Rigid.
Irreversible.
 Composition:
Tube No. 2 Catalyst paste
Tube No. 1 Base paste
Component % Function
Eugenol/Oil of 12-15 Reactive ingredient.
Component
clove % Function
Oil of clove contains 70-85% of eugenol.
Gives body & coherence to mixed material.
Gum or
Imparts thermoplastic
Reactive property
ingredient, takes part into set impression.
setting reaction.
Polymerised
Zinc oxide 50
80-87
Facilitates
Finely speed
divided, of very
with reaction and
slight more of
amount homogenous
water.
rosin
product .
Vegetable or Inert as
13-15 Acts material to form paste with suitable
plasticizers.
Filler 16-20
mineral oil consisitency.
Masks the action of eugenol as irritant.
Resinous Increases flow and improve mixing properties.
10
balsam
Accelerator, Accelerators like zinc acetate, glacial acetic acid,
moisture 4-5 metallic salts of hydrochloric and nitric acids,
primary alcohols.
Classification
According to ADA specification no.16, Depending on
hardness
 Type I or hard set.
 Type II or soft set.

Depending on eugenol content

 Eugenol containing impression pastes.
 Non-eugenol pastes.
Setting reaction:
Chelation reaction:
Acid-base reaction to form a chelate.
Product is called zinc eugenolate.

Chelate compound: Zinc atom held by two eugenol

claws due to the ionic salt
bonds formed between zinc and
phenolic oxygen of each
molecule of eugenol.

Autocayalytic reaction:
Water is needed to initiate the reaction and is also
the by-product of the reaction.
 Zn
ZnO H2 O
(OH) 2

Zn(OH)2 2HE ZnE2 2H2O

Base Acid Salt

(Zn Eugenolate)
Setting time:
Initial setting time:
 Period
At 23from
+ 2 0beginning of mixing
C and at 50% until
relative the material
humidity
ceases to pull away or string out when it surface is
touched with the metal rod of specified dimensions.
Type
 Impression Initial setting
should time inFinal
be seated setting before
the mouth time the
initial
Typeset.
1 3-6 minutes 10 minutes

Type 11 3-6 minutes 15 minutes

Final setting time:
 Rod fails to penetrate the surface of the specimen
more than 0.2 mm under the load of 50 gms.
Control of the Setting Time
Decreased setting time:
 Addition of zinc acetate or other accelerators.
 Mixing a small drop of water before blending the two
pastes.

Increased setting time:

 Cooling the spatula and mixing slab.
 Addition of inert oils and waxes during the mixing
(olive oil, mineral oil, and petrolatum).

By changing the ratio of ZnO paste to eugenol paste,

retardation or acceleration obtained will depend upon
which paste contains the accelerator.
Properties:
Consistency & Flow

Should be homogenous and flow uniformly against the

tissues while the impression is being obtained.

 Thick consistency: Compress the tissues.

 Thin consistency : Impression of the tissues in a
relaxed condition with little or
no compression.

Materials with decreased flow at various time interval

have shorter setting times and a shorter time interval
between initial and final set.
Rigidity & Strength
Should be unyielding when it is removed from the
mouth and should resist fracture.

Dimensional Stability
 Shrinks 0.1% or less at the end of 30 minutes after
mixing.

 Can be preserved indefinitely without change in shape

due to relaxation, warpage or other causes.

 Warpage of thick base plate tray on standing may

result in distortion of ZOE impression.
 Manipulation:
 Mixing done on oil-impervious paper or a glass-mixing
slab with stiff stainless steel spatula .

 The proper proportion is obtained by squeezing ropes

of same length from each tube.

 The orifices of the two tubes are regulated to deliver the

proper amount from each tube.

 Two ropes are mixed with the first sweep of spatula.

 Mixing time: 1 min, until uniform color is observed.

Impression making:
 Mix is spread in a thin layer over tissue bearing
surface of the custom tray and carried to mouth.

 Should be held firmly in position until it is

thoroughly hardened.

 The accelerating action of the heat of mouth and

saliva on the surface of tissues causes adjacent
surface of impression to harden first. Disturbance of
impression at this stage will result in warpage.
Non-Eugenol Impression pastes:
Disadvantages of ZOE pastes

 Stinging or burning sensation.

 Free eugenol present may leach out causing
disagreeable taste.
 Chronic gastric disturbance may result in cases
where surgical pack is worn for several weeks.

Thus to solve these problems, non-eugenol pastes are

developed.
 A material similar to ZOE reaction product can be
formed by saponification reaction to produce an
insoluble “ soap “.
 Zinc oxide reacted with carboxylic acid,
Orthoethoxybenzoic acid.

Disadvantage: Disagreeable odour and taste.

Advantages

 Relatively rigid material, thus impression can be

removed from mouth without any deformation.

 Allows sufficient working time.

 Registers surface detail accurately.

 Dimensionally stable.

 Minor defects can be corrected locally by adding a

fresh mix to the area and carefully reseating
impression in mouth.
Disadvantages

 Requires special trays.

 Sticky in nature and adheres to tissues, cleaning is

difficult.

 Presence of eugenol causes tissue irritation and

burning sensation, some patients are allergic to
eugenol.

 Cannot be used for making impressions of teeth

and undercut area, as it is inelastic in nature.
IMPRESSION PLASTER
Rigid.
Irreversible.
Mucostatic.
Composition: Similar to dental plaster.

 Calcined beta calcium sulfate hemihydrate: When

mixed with water forms calcium sulfate dihydrate.

 Potassium sulfate (0.6%): Anti-expansion agents.

Accelerator.
 Borax : Retarder

 Pigment such as alizaran red makes a clear

distinction between the impression and model.

 Natural gum like Tragacanth gives cohesion to the

mass and facilitate border molding of the impression.
 AE or Anti- Expansion solution

 Sometimes the additives are supplied as an aqueous

solution which is to be mixed with plaster.

 Potassium Sulphate 4% (2.5%)

 Borax 0.4-1% (0.25%)
 Alizarin red 0.04%
Soluble Impression Plaster
 Potato starch is incorporated so that the set plaster
will disintegrate due to swelling of starch and make it
soluble.

 After the cast has hardened, the impression and cast

are immersed in hot water, thus facilitating rapid
removal of impression from the cast model.

Added advantages of starch:

 Produces very smooth mix.
 Produces slightly sticky mix that adheres to tray
even when in thin wafers.
 Serves as inert filler and reduces temperature rise.
 Setting time and setting expansion

 Water-Powder ratio: Higher the ratio, slower the

setting, lower the expansion.

 Spatulation time : Longer the mixing, lesser the

setting time and greater is the
expansion.

 Temperature : Increased temp, faster is the

setting. Hence it will set more
quickly in the mouth then in
bowl.
Properties:

Main differences between Impression plaster

and Model plasters:
 More rapid setting in impression plaster in order
to avoid discomfort to both patient and dentist.
 Smaller setting expansion for greater accuracy in
impression plaster
 Much lower strength so that fracture can occur
easily if material engages undercut.
 Accuracy

Very accurate impression due to:

 Initial fluidity of material allowing to record soft
tissues in uncompressed state.
 Absorption of moisture from surface of oral soft
tissues, facilitating intimate contact between the
impression material and tissues.
 Minimal dimensional change on setting.
Manipulation:
 Water-Powder ratio: 0.06 i.e 100gm of powder in
60ml water.
 Mixed in rubber bowl using wide, stiff bladed spatula
to get fluid mix.
 Mixing time: 30-45 seconds.

Impression making:
1. In custom tray with 1-1.5mm spacer.
2. Wash plaster impression in preliminary
compound impression.
3. Recording impression of undercut area in
fractured pieces which is then secured in correct
position by sticky wax or cyno-acrylate glue.
Construction of cast:
Mix of model plaster or dental stone is poured directly
into a plaster impression

Water and dissolved hemihydrate will penetrate into

porous plaster of impression

Set cast will be tightly bonded to the impression

Separating media: Facilitates easy separation of
impression from the cast .
Types
1. Produces thin film over impression plaster resulting
in some loss of surface detail and accuracy.
Eg: Varnishes like sandrac, colloidan and alginate
solution.

2. Reacts with the surface of Plaster itself ,making it

impervious with very little loss of surface details .
Eg: Soap solutions or water glass solution (60% sol
of sodium silicate in water).
Advantages:
 Dimensionally accurate with good surface details.
 Absorbs palatal secretions during setting.
 Speedy handling and easy manipulation.
 Produces minimum tissue displacement.

Disadvantages:
 Cannot be used to compress tissues.
 In very wet mouth, surface of plaster tends to be
washed away spoiling the surface details.
 Exothermic setting reaction.
 Separating media used may obliterate some details.
 Cannot be removed from undercuts without breaking.
IMPRESSION WAXES
Thermoplastic
Rigid
Reversible
Composition
Mixture of low melting paraffin wax and bees wax in
a ratio of 3:1.

Examples: Iowa Wax

Korecta Wax

Types:
 Corrective wax.
 Bite registration wax.
Characteristics and uses of the
Korecta Wax/ fluid–wax series

No. I Wax
 Properties
 Congeals rapidly with slight amount of shrinkage.
 Tissue-pink in colour.
 Hard with practically no flow at body
temperature.
 Brittle.
 Uses
 Support extension of the impression wax when there
is need to carry it beyond the border of the
temporary base.
 Final wax-up of porcelain or resin teeth after they
have been adjusted to the desired position.
 Reposition extension partial denture before making
rebase impression. acts as a support to maintain the
correct position of the base and prevents its rotation .
No. II Wax
 Yellow in colour.
 Has slight flow at body temperature.
 Ability to adapt very slowly to the ridge structures
makes it useful as a temporary lining of a base,
which should be worn for a short time.
 Can be placed as a lining when a posterior stop of
the No. 1 wax has been used to prevent the rotation
of an unstable denture.
 The No. III Wax
 Red in colour.
 Flow is greater than that of No. II wax but much less
than that of impression wax.
 Used to correct minor areas of discrepancy (such as
that in the area of an inaccurately fitting base) before
placing the impression wax.
The No. IV Wax
 Orange in colour.
 Has high rate of flow at body temperature.
 Must always be carried by the temporary base
when it is recording the supporting contour of the
sub-basal structures.
 Used for making a correctable impression.
Corrective Impression Wax
 Used as wax veneer over an original impression to
register the details of soft tissues.

 Records the mucous membrane and underlying

tissues in functional state.

 Flow: 100% at 37ºC.

 Disadvantage: Distortion during removal from

mouth.
Bite Registration Wax

 Used to articulate accurately certain models of

opposing quadrants.

 Flow: 2.5 to 22% at 37ºC.

 Disadvantage: Distortion during removal from

mouth.
Manipulation and usage
 Applied with short bristle brush in small quantities to
fill areas of impressions with insufficient material.
 Undersurface of tray is covered first with a continuous
layer to prevent moisture from getting under the wax
to loosen it.
 Surplus of impression wax (No. IV) is added then just
inside the border.
 Tilt the tray to prevent wax from running toward the
center.
 Achievement of relationships of impression is
determined by glossy appearance.
Disadvantages
 Easy deformation under stress.

 Minimal surface hardness.

 Poor dimensional stability.

 More time consuming.

 Extreme skill and care necessary to prevent

distortion .
 HYDROCOLLOID
IMPRESSION MATERIALS
 REVERSIBLE
HYDROCOLLOIDS
Reversible
Elastic
Mucostatic
 Composition:
Ingredient Weight % Function

12-17 (Tray) Sulphuric ester of linear polymer of Galactose.

Agar
6-8 (Syringe) Dispersed phase of sol and continuous fibril of gel.

Plaster hardener.
K2SO4 1.7 Counteract inhibiting effect of borax and agar on
setting of gypsum model.
Improves gel strength by intermolecular
Borax 0.2
attraction.
Alkyl Prevents growth of mold in impression material
0.1
Benzoate during storage.
Fillers
(Clay, Silica, -- Controls strength, viscosity and rigidity.
Wax)
Continuous phase in sol and 2nd continuous phase
Water 85.5
in gel.
Colour and
Trace Improve appearance and taste.
Flavours
Properties:
Viscosity of Sol
 Visco-elastic material.
 Viscosity:
Contained in tray.
Reproduce detail of teeth and soft tissues.

Gelation Temperature
 After 8 min boiling: Fluid enough to be extruded
from container.
 After tempering: Sol Homogeneous.
 Set to gel between 37 to 45ºC.
 Strength
 Time dependent.
 Greater at higher rate of loading. (Impression to be
removed with a Snap.)
 Directly related to Brush heap density (Conc. of
agar)
 Inversely related to temperature.
 Compressive strength: 8000 gm/cm2
 Tear strength: 700 gm/cm2
 Dimensional stability

Storage condition Dimensional change Cause

Air Shrinkage Evaporation of water from gel.

Imbibition and absorption of

Water Expansion
water.
100% relative
Shrinkage Syneresis.
humidity

Depends on relation of electrolyte

Inorganic salt solution Expansion/Shrinkage
in gel and in solution.

Storage media: 2% Potassium sulphate

100% Relative humidity.
Pour the impression immediately.
Flexibility
 4 to 15% under 14.2 psi stress.

Permanent Deformation (1%)

 Material is adequately gelled.
 Removed with sharp thurst.
 Minimal undercuts in prepared cavity.

Compatibility with Gypsum

 More compatible then alginate.
 Stored in humidor  rinse to remove exudate
formed from syneresis.
 Manipulation:
Preparation of material
 Reverse gel to sol: Boiling water
8-10 min.
 High altitude: Propylene glycol.
 Reliquefy: Additional 2-4 mins.

 Storage: 60-66ºC for hours.

 Tempering: Loaded tray in 46ºC water for minimum of
2 and maximum of 10 min.
Purpose
 Increases viscosity.
 Increases pressure applied to syringe material.
 Cool to temp compatible to oral tissues.
Impression procedure:
 Water cooled impression trays
 Temp of circulating water18-21ºC.
 Circulated for minimum of 5 min.

 Syringe material: Ejected on prepared teeth.

 Tray material: Water soaked outer layer soaked with

dry gauze sponge.
Seated with passive pressure.
Wet field technique:
 Tooth surface and tissues are flooded with warm
water.
 Syringe material :Only on incisal and occlusal
surface.
 Tray material seated while syringe material is still
liquid.
 Hydraulic pressure of tray material forces the fluid
syringe material down to the areas to be restored.
Construction of cast:
 Hardening solutions: 2% K2SO4 , Potash alum,
ZnSO4 , MnSO4 .
Accelerates setting of gypsum.
Reacts with gel Prevents syneresis.

 After poured in stone, placed in humidor or 2%

K2SO4.
 Should be kept in contact with impression for
30-60min.
Impression disinfection:
 Relatively fast to prevent dimensional changes.
 Iodophor, Bleach, Gluteraldehyde.

JPD 1991; 65 (1)

 Water to be changed between patients in the
tempering compartment.
 Tray to be packed in plastic prior to trying in mouth.
 Addition of iodophor to water of tempering bath.
 Temper the hydrocolloid in tube.Thus transferring
the material from tube to tray without contacting
water.
 IRREVERSIBLE
HYDROCOLLOIDS
Elastic
Mucostatic
Irreversible
 Composition:
Approx.
Constituent Function
Approx.
%
Constituent Function
% Increases cohesion of mix.
Filler
Strengthens theprepared
Polysaccharide gel. from marine kelp.
(Diatomaceous
55-70 Controls
Linear consistency
polymer of mix and flexibility of
of Anhydro-ß-D-Mannuronic
Earth or Silicate
Soluble salt of impression.
acid.
powder) 12-20
Alginic acid K+ Na+ NH4+ makes them soluble.
Other salts Reacts with Ca2+ dissolving in water.
Inhibits effect of hydrocolloid on setting of
(K2SO4,
gypsum, giving high quality surface to die.
potassium
Calcium 3-10 Releases Ca2+ which reacts with salts of
Flouride salts accelerates setting of gypsum
titanium flouride,
Sulphate 12-20 alginic acid.
products.
Silicates)
Dihydrate
Flavouring Wintergreen, Peppermint etc.
Retarder.
Traces
agents
Trisodium Reacts with Ca2+ from Calcium Sulphate
2-5
Phosphate Dihydrate
Provide to form insoluble Ca3(PO4)2
colour.
Pigments Traces

Chemical Small Change incolour withalginate.

change in ph to indicate
Glycols Traces Results Dustless
indicators quantity different stages of setting.
 Chemistry: Gelation reaction

3Ca2+ 2Na3PO4 Ca3(PO4)2 6Na+

From CaSO4 Retarder

KnAlg n/2CaSO4 Ca3n/2Alg 6Na+

Potassium alginate Calcium alginate

Gel structure: Brush Heap Structure
 Calcium alginate precipitates as fibrous network
with water in intervening capillary spaces.

 Fibrils held together by primary bonds.

 Ca2+ replaces Na+  Crosslinking between alginate

molecules Polymer network.
CaCl2 : Cross-linking virtually completes in
seconds.
CaSO4: Supplies ions at slower rate  Only part
of alginate crosslinked.
Types:
 According to ADA specification No. 18:

Type 1 Type 11
Property
Fast set Regular set

Mixing time 45 seconds 60 seconds

Working time 1.25-2 minutes 3 minutes

Children or
Use Routine use
problem
patients
Properties:
Strength
 Time dependent.
 Greater at higher rate of loading. (Impression to be
removed with a Snap)
 Compressive strength: 5000 to 9000 g/cm2
 Tear strength : 380 to 700 g/cm2

Factors affecting strength:

 Water/Powder ratio
 Mixing time.
 Composition
Flexibility
 11-15%
 Hard set: 3-8%
 Lower water-powder ratio  Lower flexibility.

Permanent Deformation (1.2%)

 Reduced by bulk of material.
(5mm between tray and tissues)

Viscosity
 Low viscosity  mucostatic impression material.
Dimensional stability
 In air  loss of water  shrinks.
 In water  absorbs water  swells.
 Storage: in 100% relative humidity for 1 hr.
 Should be poured immediately.

Shelf life
 Deteriorates at elevated temp.
 Compatibility with gypsum products
Australian Dental J. 1981 Vol 26(1)
 Surface compatibilty of gypsum with alginate can be
improved..
If calcium sulphate reactor is replaced.
In place of sodium alginate, triethanolamine
alginate to be used..
 By this exudate sodium sulphate is not formed.
 Disinfection
Tobias, Browne, Wilson (1989)
 Development of alginate impregnated with
antimicrobial compound..
“Didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride”
 Self sterilizing impression material.
 Not effective against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.

Robert W.Schutt (1989)

 Effective bactericidal effect of dental gypsum
containing 0.25% Chloramine-T on Alginate
impression and Dental cast..
Manipulation:
 Dispensing…
 Mixing…
 Loading the tray…
Perforated tray.
Rim lock trays.
Wisp of cotton wool secured to the tray.
Adhesives: Methylcellulose.
 Taking Impression…
Laminate technique:
Agar- Alginate combination impression

 Syringe agar : Injected around preparation.

 Chilled Alginate mix: In tray, promptly seated on the
top of agar.

Advantages:
More accurate surface reproduction by agar.
Agar more compatible with gypsum.
Elimination of water-cooled impression trays.
Developments:
Dustless Alginate: Coated with Glycol.

Chromatic Alginate: Contains chemical indicators

that indicates stage of
setting.(Based on change in pH)
Siliconised Alginate:
 Hybrids of alginate and silicone elastomers.
 Properties close to alginate.
 Two paste system.
 Fine detail reproduction and better tear strength.
Modified Alginates:
 Modification 1:
Alginate as sol containing water but no Ca2+.
Reactor (Plaster of paris) is added at the time of
manipulation.
 Modification 2:
Two component system in two pastes..
Paste one: Alginate sol.
Paste two: Calcium reactor.
Impression Materials

Part - II
 Non-Aqueous
Elastomeric Impression
Materials
Elastic.
Irreversible.
 Contents:
 Introduction
 History
 Classification
 Composition and chemistry
 Properties
 Advantages and disadvantages
 Clinical presentation
 Recent developments
 Manipulation
 Disinfection
 Effects of mishandling
 Applications
 Summary
 Bibliography.
Introduction:
 Group of rubbery polymers.

 CHEMICALLY or PHYSICALLY cross linked .

 Easily stretched and rapidly recover their original

dimensions when the applied stress is released.
History:
 Introduced in 1950s.
 In 1955 Pearson reported on “ A new elastic
impression material”… Polysulphide.
 Silicone base material introduced there after.
 In late 1960s Polyethers introduced in Germany.
 In 1980s A visible light-cure Impression material was
introduced.
 Classification:
I. According to chemistry
Non-aqueous elastomers

Mercaptan Silicone Polyether

Lead oxide Clear

catalyst catalyst
Condensation Addition
II. According to ADA Specification No. 19
Max.
Max. permanent Max. Flow in Dimensional
Deformation Compression change in 24
hrs.
Type I 2.5 0.5 - 0.5
Type II 2.5 0.5 -1.0
Type III 5.5 2.0 - 0.5

III. According to viscosity

1. Very Heavy Viscosity
2. Heavy body
3. Medium body
4. Light Body.
Chemistry And
Composition
1. Polysulphide

Trade names:
 Permlastic: Lead dioxide system.
 Ceo-Flex.
 Omni-Flex: Copper hydroxide system.
COMPOSITION:
Base paste:
 Polysulphide polymer 80-85%
 With terminal and pendant mercaptan group (-SH)
 Filler 44%
 Eg : Lithopone, Titanium dioxide, Zinc sulphate
 Provides required strength.
 Plasticizer 5%
 Dibutyl or Dioctyl Phthalate.
 Confers appropriate viscosity to paste.
 Sulphur
 Accelerator
Catalyst paste:

Lead Dioxide 60-68%

 Active catalyst.
Dibutyl pthalate 30-35%
 Plasticizers.
Sulfur 3%
Other substances such as magnesium stearate and
deodorants
 Chemistry

 Oxidizing agent, Lead dioxide Initiates polmerization.

First Chain lengthening between terminal –SH groups
occurs  Increases viscosity.
Subsequent Cross linking between pendant –SH
groups  Elasticity.

 Condensation polymerization: Reaction byproduct

water is formed.
 Exothermic reaction: 3-4ºC rise in temp.
 --SH HS---------------------SH HS- -S-S---------------S-S-
O O
=

S + 3PbO + H O

=
Pb 2
Pb
S S
=

=
H
O O
O = Pb = O
H
S

Mercaptan + Lead dioxide Polysulfide rubber + Lead oxide

+ Water
II. Condensation Silicone:
Trade names
 SIL 2
 COLTEX
Composition
Base Catalyst
Liquid silicone
prepolymer Tetraethyl silicate

Filler (colloidal Stannous octoate

silica, metal oxide)
Chemistry:
Hydroxy-terminated Dimethyl siloxane

Tetraethyl orthosilicate

Stannous octoate
(catalyst)

Silicone rubber Ethyl alcohol

(Evaporates  Contraction)
III. Addition Silicone:
Trade names
 Reprosil
 Provil
 President
 Composition:

Base Catalyst
 Poly(methyl hydrogen  Divinyl polysiloxane
siloxane)  Platinum salt (catalyst)
 Other siloxane  Palladium( H2 absorber)
prepolymers  Platinium
 Filler (colloidal  Retarder
silica, metal oxide)  Fillers
Chemistry:

Vinyl Siloxane Silane Siloxane

Platinum salt
(catalyst)
Silicone Rubber

 No byproduct  If no impurities present and there is

correct proportion.
 If out of proportion or impurities  H2 produced 
Pinpoint voids in stone cast.
 Latex gloves Contains sulphur  Inhibits
polymerization.
IV. Polyether
Trade names
Impregum
Ramitex

Composition
Base
 Polyether polymer
 Glycolether or Phthalate
(plasticizer)
 Filler (colloida silica)
Catalyst
 Aeromated sulfonate ester
(cross linking agent)
 Colloidal silica
 Glycolether or Phthalate
(plasticizer)
Chemistry:

Polyether Sulphonic ester Crossed linked

rubber

 Reaction is brought about by Aziridine rings

(present at the end of branched polyether molecule).
 Main chain is copolymer of ETHYLENE OXIDE and
TETRAHYDROFURAN
Properties
 Rheological Properties
 Important for accuracy impression materials.

VISCOUS PASTE VISCOELASTIC SOLIDS

(Introduced in mouth) (Set impression)

 The viscosity and flow behaviour of the unmixed

components control the ease of mixing.

 Silicones: More fluid  Easier to mix than polysulfides.

Shorter setting time  Flow present for
shorter period.
 Polyether: Viscosity can be reduced by using a thinner.
Shear thinning:
 Decrease in viscosity with increasing shear rate.

 Important for single viscosity materials.

Polyether
Polysulfide with Cu(OH)2 accelerator.

 Single mix can be used in syringe-tray technique.

Lower viscosity during injection with a syringe.
Higher viscosity when inserted in a tray during
mixing.
 Working and setting time
Polysulfides Silicones Polyethers

 Chilling material,
Increases working time
mixing on cool slab
 Altering base:catalyst Alters working time

Setting time and Curing time: Not same.

 Condensation silicone: Polymerization continues for 2
or more weeks after mixing.
 Addition silicone : Little residual polymerization
after material is clinically set.
 Dimensional stability
Souces of dimensional changes:
1. Polymerization shrinkage
2. Loss of by-products
 Water: Polysulphides.
 Alcohol: Condensation silicone.
3. Thermal contraction from oral temperature to room
temperature.
4. Imbibition when exposed to water, disinfectant or
high humidity environment over a period of time.
5. Incomplete recovery of deformation because of
viscoelastic behavior.
Order of dimensional stability:
Addition Polyether Polysulphides Condensation
Silicone Silicone

For maximum accuracy:

 Condensation silicone and polysulphides: Poured
immediately (with in 30 mins).
 Addition silicone: Produces H2. Should be poured after
1-2 hours.
With addition silicone and polyether, cast poured at 24 hrs
and 1 week are as accurate as one made with in first hr.
 Polyether impressions  Stored in water  Slowly
absorb water  Changes dimensions.
 Strain
Order of Stiffness:

Polyethers Addition Condensation Polysulphides

Silicone Silicone
Putty Heavy body Medium body Light body

 Strain in compression under a stress of 100gm/cm2 is a

measure of the flexibility of the material.

Newer Polyethers in medium body formulation are more

flexible than one step hydrophilic vinyl polysiloxane
impression materials.
 Hardness
 Hardness increases from low to high consistency.
 When given in two numbers
 First number : Hardness 1.5 min after removal from
mouth.
 Second number: Hardness after 2 hours.
 Polysulfides and Low, Medium and High viscosity
Addition Silicones : No significant change in hardness
with time.
 Condensation Silicones, Addition Silicone Putty and
Polyether : Hardness increases with time.
 Hardness and strain affects the force necessary for
removal of the impression from the mouth.

 Low flexibility and high hardness  More space for

impression material between tray and teeth.

 Polyether  Low flexibility  Problems in removal

of the impression  4mm rather than 2mm thickness
of rubber between tray and teeth is recommended.
 Tear strength
 Indicates the ability of material to withstand tearing in
thin interproximal and subgingival areas.
 Tear strength is a measure of the force needed to initiate
and continue tearing a specimen of unit thickness.
Order of tear strength:

Polysulphides Polyether Silicones Hydrocolloids

Factors affecting tear strength

 Increase in consistency  Increases tear strength.
 Addition of thinner  Decreases tear strength.
 Rapid rate of force application  Increases tear strength.
 Detail reproduction
 Silicones and polyethers registers detail better than
polysulfides.
 Except for very high viscosity products, they all
should reproduce a v-shaped groove and a 0.020mm
wide line in the rubber.
 It should be compatible with gypsum products so
that the 0.020mm line is transferred to gypsum die
materials.
They are capable of reproducing detail more accurately
than can be transferred to stone cast.
 Wettability
 Assessed by measuring the advancing contact angle
of water on the surface of the set impression
material.
 The wettability is directly correlated to the ease of
pouring high strength stone models.

θ = >90º θ = <90º
 Hydrophilic materials: Hydrophilic addition silicones
and Polyethers  Best wettable.
 Hydrophobic materials: Polysulphides, Condensation
silicones and Conventional addition silicones  Least
wettable.

Modes of increasing wettability:

 Use of surfactant before making impression.
 Use of surfactant before pouring cast.
 Plasma treatment of impression material.
 Addition of intrinsic surfactant in addition silicone.
 Shelf life
 Longer for Polysulphide and Polyether then Silicones of
approximately 2 years.

Should be stored in
 Tightly closed container/tubes.
 Cool environment.

According to ADA specification No. 19

The material should meet the test of permanent
deformation after the base and accelerator are stored
for 7 days at 60±2°C (140±3.6°F).
 Biological properties
Polysulphides
 Toxic effect of lead  Questioned the use of lead
compounds in polysulfide.
 Reasons for unlikely harmful effect of lead in
material:
 Material is in patient’s mouth for only a few
minutes.
 It is hydrophobic, reducing the chances of washing
out of lead compounds by saliva.
 Polysulphides results in lowest cell death count.
Condensation silicone
 Non-toxic, although direct contact of skin with the
accelerator is to be avoided since allergic reactions
have been noted.
Addition silicone
 Causes less tissue reaction than the condensation
silicones.
Polyether
 The aromatic sulfonic acid ester can cause contact
dermatitis, hypersensitivity reactions.
 Shows highest cell cytotoxicity scores.
 No cytotoxic effects on exposure to polyether with
imine catalyst.
Common elastomer induced biocompatibilty problem

Segment of impression material lodged in sulcus

Foreign body reaction Inflammation

Misdiagnosed as caused by tooth preparation or

cementation.

 Visual inspection of impression after removing.

 Polysulphide  Advantageous.
 Greater tear resistance.
 Radiopaque.
Advantages and
Disadvantages
Advantages
 Excellent surface detail.
 Dimensional accuracy.
 No separator required before pouring casts.
 Record undercuts but polysulfides may suffer from
permanent deformation on removal.
 Polysulfides have good tear resistance.
 Additon silicones have excellent dimensional
stability, even in cold sterilizing solutions.
 Wide range of different viscosities available to match
different clinical situations.
 Low viscosity silicones suitable for wash techniques.
 Putty silicones are useful as space-filling materials.
 Pleasant appearance and feel in the mouth.
 Can be electroformed to give metal die, an advantage
over stone dies because of greater abrasion
resistance.
 More easily prepared for use.
 More dimensionally stable over a period of time than
hydrocolloids.
 Do not affect hardness of the surface of stone.
Disadvantages
 They are hydrophobic and so tend to slip on wet,
mucus-covered mucosa.
 Prolonged setting time, especially polysulfides.
 Tear resistance of silicones is low.
 Condensation silicones are dimensionally unstable.
 Silicone putty can easily distort peripheral tissues.
 After set, the boders cannot be adjusted.
 Polysulfides have strong odour of rubber and
untidy to handle.
 Tray must be held rigidly for accuracy for 8-12
minutes for setting.
 The ratio of the material is also critical; if the ratio is
not accurate, the mechanical properties may be
changed.
 Complete adhesion to a prefabricated tray is
essential.
 Polysulfides tend to run down patient’s throat
because of lower viscosity.
 Polysulfides need custom made rather than stock
tray due to greater chance of distortion.
 Clinical
Presentation
 Polysulfides :
 Supplied in 3 consistencies.
Low (syringe /wash), Medium (regular) and High (tray).

Addition silicones :
 Available in these three consistencies plus an Extra low
and Putty (very high) type.
 Also supplied as a single consistency product with
sufficient shear thinning so that it can be used as both a
low and a high consistency material.
 Condensation silicones :
 Supplied in a low and putty like consistency.

Polyethers :
 Supplied as a medium consistency type plus a thinner
or as a low and a high consistency.

Mode of supply:
 Two pastes in collapsible tubes: Low, Medium and
High consistencies.
 In two jars: Very high consistency.
 Catalyst of condensation silicones can be supplied as
a liquid or a paste.
 Recent
developments
 Modifications in polysulphides:

Lead dioxide replaced by

 Organic reactor like Cumene hydroperoxide or t-Butyl
hydroperoxide: Volatile constituent evaporates,
leading to shrinkage of set mass.
 Inorganic hydroxides such as Hydrated Copper Oxides:
Hydrated copper oxide produces a
green mix.
Modifications in addition silicone:
1. Addition silicone with Palladium - Hydrogen absorber.
Adv: Impressions can be poured immediately.

2. Fast Setting Addition Silicone: Aquasil Ultra Fast Set

3. Hydrophilized Addition Silicone

Adv: Reduced contact angle with water  Improved
wettability.
Have intrinsic surfactants
Nonylphenoxyetanol homologues.
Consist of : A hydrophilic part.
A silicone compatible hydrophobic part.
Mode of action
 Diffusion-controlled transfer of surfactant molecules
from polyvinylsiloxane into the aqueous phase.
 Thus altering surface tension and increasing
wettability.
 Modifications in polyether:
1. Soft Polyether: Penta soft, Impregum soft.
 Supplied as heavy and light body.
 Soft Technology makes it less rigid for easier removal
from the mouth.
2. Fast Setting Polyether: Impregum quick set
Penta soft Quick Set
3. Visible light cure impression material:
Composition:
 Polyurethane dimethacrylate resin
 SiO2 filler
 Constituents to enable the resin to polymerized in the
presence of light of around 480nm.
Mode of supply:
 Light body : Disposable syringes.
 Heavy-body : Tubes.
Properties:
 Very low dimensional shrinkage upon storage.
 Can be poured immediately or upto 2 weeks later.
 Rigid Severe undercuts should be blocked out to
ease removal of the impression.
 Highest resistance to tearing – 6,000 to 7,500 g/cm.

Advantages:
 Dentist has complete control over working time.
 Curing time is relatively short (3 minutes).
 Excellent physical, mechanical and clinical properties
Disadvantages:
 Need for special transparent trays.
 If a delay occurs before placement, the material
should be stored in a dark place away from light.
Manipulation:
 The light body material is syringed into the sulcus
around and over the preparations and portions of the
adjacent teeth.
 A clear tray is loaded to the fill line with the heavy
body material.
 After the tray is seated in the mouth, both viscosities
are cured simultaneously using a visible light curing
unit having an 8mm or larger diameter probe.
Bite registration materials:
1. GC Exabite:
 Polyvinyl siloxane impression material with
properties adjusted for bite registration.
Adv:
 Fast reliable mixing and application directly from
cartridges.
 Thixotropic properties with ideal balance between
stability and fluidity.
 Accurate reproduction.
2. Ramitec Penta:
Polyether impression material with automatic mixing
and dispensing unit Pentamix system.
Adv:
Automatic mixing and dispensing with Pentamix unit.
Absolutely homogenous and void free mix.
3. Dimension Bite 60 Seconds:
Extremely fast setting Addition silicone with ultimate
hardness.
Adv:
 Extreme short setting time of 60 seconds.
 Automatic mixing in new Garnet 2 System.
 Automatic mixing device:
Features:
Light and medium body materials.
Mixing tip vary in diameter, length and size of tip
opening .
Used for Addition silicone.
Some polyethers and condensation silicone can also be
mixed and dispensed.
Advantages:
Greater uniformity in
proportioning and mixing.
Fewer bubbles in the mix.
Reduced mixing time.
 Dynamic mechanical mixer:
 Polyether and addition silicone available for mixing
with this system.

 Catalyst and base are supplied in plastic bags or

catridges, which is inserted in the top of mixing
machine.

 A new, plastic mixing tip

is placed on the front of
machine. Mixing tip has
internal spirals that are
motor driven and rotates.
 Parallel Mixing by
plungers Material rotation and
Button
pushes Bag opens forced into forward
pressed
against dynamic tip motion of
plastic bag material

Adv:
 Ease of use , speed and thoroughness of mixing.
 High viscosity material can be mixed with ease.
Disadv:
 High Cost .
 Slightly more material retained in mixing tip.
Manipulation
Impression procedures:
STEPS:
1 . Preparation of material.
2 . Preparation of tray.
3 .Making an impression.
4 . Removing an impression.
5 .Preparation of stone dies and cast.
 Preparation of material:
 Two Paste System :
Equal length of base & catalyst paste dispensed on
mixing pad.
Mixed with stainless steel mixing spatula to get
streak free mix.
Polyether: Thinner is added to get required
viscosity.
 Putty:
Addition silicone: Equal scoop of base and
acclerator kneaded with fingers (using vinyl glove).
Condensation silicone: Required no. of scoop of
base kneaded with proportionate liquid or paste
acclerator.
 Preparing the tray:
 Stock tray: Used with very high consistency.

 Custom tray:
 Optimal thickness of spacer 2 to 4mm.
 Bulk should be evenly distributed.
 Reduces quantity of material.
 Dimensional changes is minimized .
Pictorial representation of custom tray
design
Tray Adhesives:
Bonds the impression material to the tray.

For Polysulphides : Butyl rubber and Acrylonitrile in

organic solvent.
For Addition silicone: Polydimethyl siloxane and
ethylsilicate.
Two types:
Paint on adhesives Eg Coltene, Kerr
Universal VPS.
Spray adhesives Eg Sili spray.

Applied for 10-15mins before making impression.

 Making an impression:
1.LIGHT BODY:
 Used with syringe.
 Placed directly on hard and soft tissues.

2.HEAVY BODY:
 Placed in the tray to support the light body material.

3. PUTTY :
 Exhibits least significant polymerization shrinkage.
Different impressions techinique:
1. Copper tube and resin coping method.
2. Multiple mix technique
3. Monophase / Single viscosity technique
4. Putty wash technique
i. Single stage procedure
ii. Two stage procedure
4. Squash technique
5. Dual arch impression technique
i. Monophase impression
ii. Multiple mix technique
6. Segmental impression technique
7. Matrix impression system
COPPER TUBE / RESIN COPING SYSTEM
 Modified method of tube impression with impression
compound.
 Rigid carrier of impression material becomes the part of
impression.
 Initial registration of finish line is by carrier.
 Retractionless procedure : Retraction cords not used.
 Sulcular extension of tube or coping: Displaces gingiva
away from finish line.
 Reinforced sulcular flange consisting of elastomer and
extension of copper tube or resin is generated.
 MULTIPLE MIX TECNIQUE
 Resin custom tray with 2-4 mm spacing.
 Tray : Uniform thickness of Heavy Body material .
 Syringe : Light Body material simultaneously.

Procedure:
The lighter material: Injected within and around the
tooth preparation.
Filled tray is then inserted in the mouth and seated
over the syringe material.
MONOPHASE / SINGLE VISCOSITY
TECNIQUE.
 Resin custom tray with 2-4 mm spacing.
 Medium viscosity of polyether and addition silicone .
 Only one mix
Part of the material loaded in tray.
Another portion loaded in syringe.

Success depends on the PSEUDOPLASTIC properties

of these two materials.
 PUTTY-WASH TECHNIQUE
RELINE TECHNIQUE

TWO STAGE PROCEDURE:

 Putty material
Stock tray.
Preliminary impression.
Results in intraoral custom made tray formed by
the putty.
 Space for light body ‘’WASH’’ material
Cutting away some of ‘’Tray’’ putty
Thin polyethylene sheet during impression.

 Light body
Placed into the putty impression.
Seated in the mouth..
Can also be used with syringe and injected with in
and onto the preparations.
SINGLE STAGE PROCEDURE

 Wash material: Syringed into place.

 Unset putty : Seated over the unset light body
material.

Disadvantage:
Putty may displace wash material.
Critical areas of the preparation reproduced in
putty.

Occlusal stops : Avoids pushing through syringe

material when seating plastic putty
mass.
 SQUASH TECNIQUE

 Stock tray is loaded with putty material.

 Syringe material is injected around the prepared
tooth or teeth.
 The tray is squashed over the syringe material.
 Hydraulic pressure of putty pushes the syringe
material in critical areas.
 Impression is made with the putty material and the
syringe material setting simultaneously.
 DUAL ARCH IMPRESSION
TECNIQUE
 Rigid metal trays: Triple trays
 Patient instructed to close in MIP with the tray out of
the mouth.
 Visually note nature of contact on the contralateral
side and verify MIP using mylar shim stock.

Dual arch impression procedure

Place loaded tray in position.
Instructed to again close in MIP.
Dual arch-Monophase Impression
Dual arch-Multiple mix technique
 SEGMENTAL IMPRESSION TECNIQUE

Impression tray:
 Individual custom trays for each segment.
 1 mm of wax spacer .
 Extend 3mm past gingival margin of the prepared teeth.
 PMMA custom tray made 24hrs in advance.

Light body:
 Loaded into a syringe and one of the segmental trays .
 Impression material is injected around the preparations
and the tray is seated to place.
 Excess extruded material is allowed to set.
 MATRIX IMPRESSION SYSTEM
Series of impressions using three different viscosity of
impression material.

 Step I :Matrix is made in Occlusal registration

elastomeric impression material over the
prepared teeth.
 Step II: Definitive impression is made with high
viscosity impression material in matrix.
 Step III:
Matrix impression(s) are seated in position.
 Impression of entire arch is made with medium
viscosity impression material in stock tray ( seated
over matrix and remaining teeth)
 Removing an impression
 Removed after curing has progressed sufficiently to
provide adequate elasticity.

 The impression should be removed

After at least 10 min from the time of mixing
Allow 6-8 min for the impression to remain in the
mouth.

QUICK SNAP:
 To minimize plastic deformation.
 To increase tear resistance.
 Disinfection:
Condensation silicone ,addition silicone and polysulfides:
2% GLUTARALDEHYDE is satisfactory
disinfectant.

Longer time immersion

Not recommended as it leach out and render impression
less hydrophillic.

Polyethers: Susceptable to dimensional changes if

immersed for long time(more than 10 min) because of
their hydrophilic nature.
Chlorine compounds or idophores , phenols
 Preparation of stone cast and die
 Compatible with all gypsum products.
 Possible to construct two or three casts or dies from
these impressions.

NOTE:
Successive die will not be as accurate as the first
die constructed from the material.
Time interval between impression pours should not
be greater than 30 min.
 Effects of
mishandling
ROUGH OR UNEVEN SURFACE ON IMPRESSION:
 Incomplete polymerization
Premature removal from the mouth .
Improper ratio or mixing of components.
Presence of oil or other organisms on teeth.
 For addition silicone ,agents that contaminate the
material and inhibit polymerization.
 Too rapid polymerization.

BUBBLES:
 Too rapid polymerization , preventing flow.
 Air incorporated during mixing.
IRREGULAR SHAPED VOIDS:
 Moisture or debris on surface of teeth.

ROUGH CHALKY STONE CAST:

 Inadequate cleaning of impression .
 Excess water left on surface of the impression.
 Excess wetting agent left on impression .
 Premature removal of cast, improper manipulation
of stone.
DISTORTION:
 Lack of adhesion of rubber to the tray .
 Lack of mechanical retention for those materials where
adhesive is ineffective .
 Development of elastic properties in the material before
tray is seated.
 Insufficient relief for reline material .
 Movement of tray during polymerization.
 Premature removal from the mouth.
 Delay pouring of the polysulfide or condensation
silicone impression.
Application:
 FPD: Impression of prepared teeth.
 Impression of dentulous mouth for RPD.
 Impression of edentulous mouths for complete
dentures.
 Polyether is used for border moulding of special
trays.
 As maxillofacial material.
 In implant dentistry for making impressions.
 Also used as castable material.
Summary:
Though, Impression compound and ZOE paste still most
widely used for edentulous patients, Elastomers have
become popular due to elastic recovery, fine reproduction of
detail and dimensional stability.

With the on going research, numerous new impression

materials have been introduced in recent years with better
properties and handling characteristics. Thus it becomes
important for dentist to fully appreciate the various features
of these materials before selecting it for particular
application.
Bibliography
 Phillips’ Science of dental materials 11th edition.
 Phillips’ Science of dental materials 10th edition.
 Craig R. :Restorative dental materials, 11th edition
 DCNA April 2004:48;2
 McCabe J. and Walls W. : Applied dental materials 8th edition
 O’Brien: Dental materials and their selection, 2nd edition.
 Rosenstiel: Contemporary Fixed prosthodontics, 3rd edition.
 Bernard Levin. Impressions for complate denture.
 Van Noort R. : Introduction to dental materials, 2nd edition.
 Polyvinyl siloxane impression materials: an update on clinical
use. Australian dental Journal 1998:43;6
 Comparision of new matrix system with traditional fixed
prosthodontic impression procedures. JPD 1998;79:200-7
 Polyvinyl siloxane impression materials: A review of
properties and techniques. JPD1992;68:728-32
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techniques. Dental Update 2005;32:374-393
 Effect of different adhesives on vinyl polysiloxane bond
strength to two tray materials. JPD 2005;94:3
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polyether elastomeric impression material.
 Effect of plasma treatment on wettability of elastomeric
impression materials. JPD 1993;70:1
 Comparision of impression materials for complete-arch fixed
partial dentures.JPD 1991;65:165-9
 Effect of different surface wetting agent on void formation in
impressions. JPD 1997;77:54-6
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crowns fabricated from double arch and complete arch
impressions.
 Dimensional accuracy of dental casts: influence of tray
material, impression material and time. J Prosthodont
2002;11:98-108
 Properties of new polyether urethane dimethacrylate photo
initiated elastomeric impression material.JPD;1990;63:16-20
 An invitro study of the antibacterial and antifungal properties
of an irreversible hydrocolloid impression impregnated with
disinfectant.JPD 1989;62:601
 Bond strength and accuracy of combined reversible
irreversible hydrocolloid impression mession
systems.JPD;67:621-27
 Australian dental journal 1981;26:12-7
 Reversible agar agar hydrocolloid. Quintessence Int
1990;21:225-229
 www.pubmed.com
 www.google.com