Impression Material

Dental Impression Material

Impression material is needed in the dental practice for creating dentures, orthodontic devices, occlusal splints or even for making situational models. With the impression, the dental assistant or dentist has created a spacial negative of the oral situation or teeth. This mould will be sprayed out in the dental laboratory to create a cast model.

Alginate Moulding Compound

Alginates are irreversibly elastic materials for moulding. These have a short setting time, are physiologically harmless and have the most pleasant taste for the patient. They are especially suited for making counter models or situational models. The easy to craft moulding material is also great for forming bite splints.

Silicones for Precision Impressions

Impression material with more contrast and detail accuracy, e.g. silicone, is used for precision models. These are required for creating crowns, bridges or prosthetics, for example. The more precise and contrast-rich the impression is, the better the tooth replacement can be created in the dental lab. Precision impression material is available with various fluid properties, or viscosity, from low-viscosity to kneadable. One differentiates between a single-sided impression (material is filled into the impression tray and formed) and double-mix impressions (harder material is filled into the tray and the low-viscosity material immediately on top of it and the two are brought together to create the impression). These materials also come into use for bite impressions. There are various possibilities for determining the bite situation. The double-mix technique can also be applied here. Kneadable materials can be used, which are placed on the occlusal surface after mixing with the activator. The self-mixable cartridge materials also provide a convenient option. These are directly dosed into the mouth from a syringe and, therefore, prevent errors in activator dosage or from mixing.

Accessories for Making Dental Impressions

Impression syringes are often used when precision impression material comes into use, e.g. for preparations. These are filled with the low-viscosity impression material and, thanks to the fine tip, the material can be directly applied to the Sulcus or around the tooth stump. The handy disposable syringes are easy to fill and the flexible tip can be individually shortened to alter the size of the discharge opening. Retraction threads are another aid used when moulding. These are placed around the tooth stump in the sulcus and gently displace the gingiva. Before creating the impression with corrective material, the retraction suture is removed and the preparation outline will be visible in the impression.

Impression Trays for Upper and Lower Jaws

Impression trays are essential for taking impressions. These are offered as disposable plastic trays or durable metal reusable trays, holed for better retention of the impression material and in particular shapes for the upper and lower jaw. The upper jaw tray is recreated from the shape of the jaw and preformed to the anatomical structure of the gum area and vestibulum. When impressioning the upper jaw, it is important to ensure that the impression tray is not filled with too much impression material, especially in the back throat area. As soon as the often thin-flowing material projects over the AH line (the connection from the hard gums toward the uvula), then many patients will suffer an increased gag reflex. In the under jaw, the confection tray is also recreated from the jaw shape and preformed for the vestibulum, while the tongue area is left out. Furthermore, partial trays are needed for the right or left jaw halves or the frontal tooth area for producing provisional crowns, for example.

You may conveniently order various moulding material, mixing cannulas and accessories for taking impressions online from Praxisdienst. You have questions about our articles or need advice? Simply ask us and we will happily advise you via email, telephone or live chat.