Impression Material

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Impression Materials for Dentists, Laboratories and Practices

Impression materials are used in dentistry for the creation of dental prosthetics, orthodontic appliances, bite splints, or for producing study models. The dental assistant or dentist takes an impression to create a spatial negative of the patient’s oral cavity or teeth. A short mouth retention time also helps to make the impression process more comfortable and efficient for the patient. The impression is then poured in a dental laboratory to produce a plaster model.

Alginate Impression Material

Alginate is an irreversible-elastic material used for anatomical impressions. It features a short setting time and is physiologically safe, usually pleasant in taste for the patient. A short mouth retention time is also a significant benefit for the dentist or dental practice. Alginate impression material is particularly suitable for producing opposing models or study models. It is also ideal for creating models for the fabrication of bite splints due to its easy handling.

Silicones for Precision Impressions

Silicones are the most versatile impression materials: they can be used to take impressions of prepared teeth as well as soft tissue areas. They can also be disinfected without restrictions using special disinfectants for impressions.

For precision models in dentistry, impression materials with high definition and excellent detail reproduction are used.

Precision impression materials are available in varying flow properties and viscosities, from thin-flowing to kneadable. They are solvent-resistant, biocompatible, water-repellent, and largely temperature-stable.

A-silicones (addition-curing)
K-silicones (condensation-curing)
C-silicones (double-impression and double-mix technique, hydrophilic)

The aim of hydrophilicity is better wettability of the prepared tooth substance in a moist environment, a more uniform flow into a moist sulcus, improved wetting of the material with gypsum during model production, and thus the most accurate surface reproduction possible.

Unlike condensation-curing K-silicones, addition-curing A-silicones do not undergo setting shrinkage.

Impressions made with A-silicone are indefinitely stable in storage. Modern K-silicone impressions can already be safely stored overnight. With K-silicone, the unavoidable evaporation of alcohol leads to slight shrinkage. To prevent alcohol loss, it is recommended to place the impression in a sealed bag together with a cotton roll soaked in alcohol.

These materials are also used for bite registration. There are different methods to stabilise the bite position. One option is to use malleable materials, which are applied to the occlusal surface after mixing with the activator. A more convenient solution is offered by self-mixing cartridge materials. These are applied directly from the dispensing syringe into the mouth, preventing errors in activator dosing and mixing.

At Praxisdienst, you can order a variety of specialised products from renowned manufacturers directly, such as:

Alginoplast by Kulzer offers high detail accuracy, elasticity, and tear resistance. It is suitable for situational, planning, opposing jaw, and working models.

Harvard SuperSnap® Quick Snap from HARVARD Dental, due to its flow properties and optimal malleability in putty form, is ideal for the sandwich and putty-wash technique. The material combines conventional working times with a very short mouth residence time of just 75 seconds and is available in various viscosities.

Preciform N HardBite from Merz Dental is a fast-setting A-silicone suitable for precise bite registration and the representation of static occlusion. After a short curing time of just 45 seconds, it remains permanently dimensionally stable and can be easily and accurately processed. It is available in a dual cartridge, dosed precisely 1:1, and ready for immediate application.

Accessories for Impression Taking

When using dental precision impression materials, impression syringes are often employed. These are filled with the low-viscosity impression materials, and thanks to the fine tip, the material can be directly applied into the sulcus or around the prepared tooth. The handy single-use syringes are easy to fill, and the flexible tip can be cut to size, allowing adjustment of the outlet opening.

Another dental tool (for dental practices and dental technicians) used during impression taking are retraction pastes, such as Havard LiquiCord (for sulcus retraction, for example in digital impressions), and retraction cords. These are placed gently around the prepared tooth into the sulcus and gently displace the gingiva. Before taking the final impression with correction material, the retraction cords are removed, making the preparation margin clearly visible on the impression.

Many additional options for dental practices and technicians, including dental treatment accessories such as impression trays or disinfection products, are available directly here in the Praxisdienst shop.

If you have questions about other products or would like advice, feel free to get in touch via phone or live chat.