Impression Materials

Introduction
Impression materials are used to make replicas of
oral structures. All impression materials must be in a
plastic or fluid state while the replica is being made.
Physical change, chemical reaction, or
polymerization convert these fluid materials into
either elastic or nonelastic (ie, plastic or brittle)
negative replicas of the soft and/or hard tissues of
the mouth. A model or cast material (eg, high-
strength stone) is poured into the impression and,
upon setting, produces a positive impression of the
tissues of interest.
Requirements
The requirements of impression materials can be
:conveniently discussed under four main headings

.Factors which affect the accuracy of the impression )1(

Factors which affect the dimensional stability of the )2(
impression, that is, the way in which the accuracy varies
.with time after recording the impression
Manipulative variables such as ease of handling, )3(
.setting characteristics, etc
.Additional factors such as cost, taste, colour etc )4(
:Classification
Nonelastic Materials
Impression plaster
Plaster of Paris is seldom used as impression
material now that elastomeric materials are
available, but it can be used as a "wash" (a thin
lining material placed over a stiffer base material
or tray) material for edentulous impressions.
The main component of impression plaster is
calcium sulfate hemihydrate, which reacts with
water to form calcium sulfate dihydrate.
Manufacturers incorporate additives to adjust
.the setting time and setting expansion
The water/powder (W/P) ratio recommended by
the manufacturer should be measured out carefully.
The powder should be sprinkled into the water,
allowed to sit for 30 seconds to wet the powder, and
then mixed for the minimum time necessary to
obtain a homogeneous mix. Impression plaster is
rigid and will break rather than bend. The plaster
must be stored in an airtight container because it
will absorb water from the air and its setting time
will be
adversely affected.
There are two types of dental compound as
defined by the ADA. Type I is used for impression
taking, and Type II is used for tray preparation.
Although dental compound has fallen into
disuse, it can be used for full-crown impressions
(Type I), impressions of partially or completely
edentulous jaws (Type I), and impression trays in
which a final impression is taken with another
material (Type II). Compound
cannot be used to record undercuts since it is not
.elastic
Impression compound is available in either cakes
or sticks in various colors.
Dental compound is thermoplastic; it is used
warm (45C) and then cooled to oral temperature
(37C), at which it is fairly rigid. The setting
mechanism is therefore a reversible physical
process rather than a chemical reaction.
Composition
Dental compound contains several ingredients.
Natural resins, which comprise about 40% of the
formulation, make the compound thermoplastic.
Shellac is often used. Waxes (about 7%) also
produce thermoplastic properties. Stearic acid
(about 3%) acts
as a lubricant and plasticizer. Fillers and
inorganic pigments account for the remaining 50%
of the formulation. Diatomaceous earth, soapstone,
and talc are examples of commonly used fillers.
thermal conductivity of dental impression
compounds is very low. These materials do not
conduct heat very well and therefore require heat
soaking to attain a uniform temperature
throughout the mass. When heated or cooled,
they soften or harden quickly on the outside, but
time is needed for the temperature to become
uniform throughout the entire mass. If the
impression is removed from the mouth before it
has cooled completely, severe distortion may
occur.
Advantages
Dental impression compound is compatible with die and model
materials
Disadvantages
The handling of dental impression compound is very technique
sensitive. If it is not prepared properly, volatiles can be lost on
heating, or low-molecular-weight ingredients can be lost during
immersion in a water bath. Also, excessive wet kneading can
incorporate water into the mix and change the flow properties
of the compound. Due to a high coefficient of thermal
expansion, the dimensions of the impression are not likely to be
the same as the dimensions in the mouth. These materials are
nonelastic and may distort on removal from the mouth. The
casts should be poured within 1 hour.
Troubleshooting
1. Distortion. If the material is not completely cooled, the inner
portions of the impression will still be soft when the
impression is removed, resulting in distortion. Also, if water
has been incorporated as the result of wet kneading, the
material could have excessive flow at mouth temperature,
producing distortion during removal from the mouth. If the
tray used to carry the compound to the mouth is too flexible,
distortion can result. It is important to select a tray that is
strong and rigid. A delay in preparing the stone cast also may
cause distortion. The cast should be poured as soon as possible
after the impression has been removed from the mouth.
2. Compound is too brittle or grainy. Prolonged immersion in the
water bath willcause low-molecular- weight components to
leach out.
Zinc oxide-eugenol
Zinc oxide-eugenol's main use as an impression
material is for dentures on edentulous ridges with
minor or no undercuts. It can also be used as a
wash impression over compound in a tray or in a
custom acrylic tray.
Composition This material is commercially
available in a powder and liquid form and as two
pastes. One paste, called the base or catalyst
paste, contains zinc oxide (ZnO), oil, and
hydrogenated rosin. The second paste, the
accelerator, contains about 12% to 15% eugenol,
oils, rosin, and a filler such as talc or Kaolin.
These two pastes have contrasting colors so it can
be determined when the pastes are thoroughly
.mixed
Note:
The shrinkage of these materials during the hardening process
is approximately 0.1%. Subsequently, no additional
dimensional change should occur.
Advantages
The advantages of zinc oxide-eugenol include high accuracy of
soft tissue impressions due to its low viscosity. The material
is stable after setting, has good surface detail reproduction,
and is inexpensive. It also adheres well to dental impression
compound.
Disadvantages
The Disadvantages of this material are messiness
and a variable setting time due to temperature
and humidity. Eugenol is irritating to soft tissues.
This material is nonelastic and may fracture if
undercuts are present.