IMPRESSION MATERIALS

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• To recognise the production of a model through a negative impression

• To recognise the problem & relevance of undercuts

• To categorise & describe impression materials

• To describe the correct handling & application of these materials

articulator- simulating the jaw

bruxism
Desirable Properties of an Impression Material
○ Easy to handle/mix
○ Accurately record detail
○ Good Tear resistance interdental spaces remain
○ Easy to remove particularly where undercuts exist
○ Dimensionally stable
○ Ability to disinfect
○ Compatible with oral fluids
○ No adverse affect to patient
○ Pleasant smell/taste
○ Short setting time
○ Cost
ORIGINAL - IMPRESSION - MODEL
positive negative positive
 Dimensionally stable

ORIGINAL - IMPRESSION - MODEL

positive negative positive
ORIGINAL - IMPRESSION - MODEL
positive negative positive

contraction of impression gives oversized model

shrinkage of impression- bigger than needed
expansion of material- too small
ORIGINAL - IMPRESSION - MODEL
positive negative positive

expansion of impression gives undersized model

 ARE THERE UNDERCUTS PRESENT?

least amount of distortion possible

crown prep- whats left of the tooth should be as parallel as possible

undercut= the portion of a tooth that lies between its

height of contour and the gingivae, only if that
portion is of less circumference than the height of
the contour.
 single tooth for an impression

incisal edge

compression compression

no recovery in
impression

tension tension
distorted- cant be salvaged
 perforation- suction for partially dented
no perforations for adentulous

Impression Trays
○ Stock Trays
❑ Various sizes
❑ Various Materials –Plastic, metal, special tray

● Rigid and non flexible

● Extend sufficiently to support the impression
material
● Fit loosely – correct size and shape of the dental
arch to allow for support of imp material
● Have a robust handle
● If not for single use be able to disinfect
● Retain the impression material
adentulous- accurate as possible impression of soft tissue
 Tray Adhesives too much adhesive = lubricant

○ Impression material must be retained in the tray

❑ Perforations
❑ Adhesive - Apply sparingly and allow to dry
Avoid pooling – adhesive wont dry and will interfere with bond
Ideally 2 coats allow to dry between applications
Care not to leave solvent evaporate, thickening of the
adhesive
Adhesive specific to each generic group of impression
materials
 Types of impression materials
○ Non Rigid/Elastic Impression Materials
Hydrocolloids
- Reversible (agar)
- Irreversible(alginate)

Non aqueous elastomeric impression materials (elastomers)

• Polysulphides
• Polyethers
• Silicones – Addition cured silicones, condensation cured silicones and vinyl polyether silicones
○ Rigid /Non Elastic Impression Materials
• Impression Plaster
• Zinc Oxide and Eugenol
• Impression Compound
 Hydrocolloids
○ A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture of 2 phases, the
dispersed phase which is distributed in another phase the
continuous phase – the 2 phases are not readily detectable
microscopically. If the particles are suspended in water the
suspension is called a hydrocolloid
○ The colloid can exist as a viscous liquid (sol) or as a solid (gel)

AGAR
hydrocolloids
ALGINATE
 ALGINATES
(irreversible hydrocolloids)

AGAR
(reversible hydrocolloids)

SOL GEL
 Reversible Hydrocolloid (Agar)
not commonly used- expense of equipment

○ A galactose sulphate which forms a colloid with water.

○ Hydroxl gps undergo hydrogen bonding, forming a helical str, heat

breaks the hydrogen bonds, helix uncoils and gel turns into sol
viscous liquid state- take impression

○ Gel --------------------Sol--------------------Gel
Heat(70-90Deg C) Cool (30-50Deg C)
(phase transformation)

Agar heated in water bath-----becomes fluid

Metal tray that water can be passed through
Etc etc
60- 66 degrees middle bath- third bath 46 degrees and ready to use in tray when cooled
set cold water running through the tray
outside will set first- give time for gel around the teeth
 Composition
Component Amount (%) Purpose
Agar 13 Dispersed Phase
Potassium Sulphate 1-2 Accelerate setting of model
effects setting time plaster
Borax 0.2 Strengthens Gel
Alkyl Benzoate 0.1 Prevents mould
Dyes and flavouring Trace Appearance and taste
Water 85 Provides continuous phase
Wax 0.5-1.0 filler
○ The process requires specific equipment;
○ Water bath consists of 3 compartments
○ First contains water near boiling point so as to liquefy the agar, care
not to overheat material or polymer will breakdown
○ Second compartment remains between 63-66 0C for storing the agar
○ Third compartment is kept at 460C for tempering the agar after its
placed in the special tray, safe temperature for the patient
○ Once cooled sufficiently, the impression can be taken (water is
connected at this stage, ca. 13 0C, not too cold, patient comfort
○ Agar solidifies approx. 5min and removed from patients mouth
○ Care- Material closet to tray sets first
 HEATED IN BOILING WATER (10 mins)
TRANSFERRED TO “TEMPERING BATH” AT 50oC
SOL
100oC SOL LOADED IN METAL TRAY
GEL

SOL
37oC
GEL
 Properties
○ Only hydrophilic impression material
-Teeth may be left wet intentionally with very accurate result
○ Low tear resistance
-Care on removal from undercuts
○ Material is visco elastic
-Remove tray from mouth with snap action so as near elastic response
occurs
○ Technique sensitive strain material upon slow removal
-Viscous enough to be retained in the tray but not so viscous material
wont flow around the teeth
-Care to ensure material does not separate from stock tray, although
perforated does not bond to stock tray
○ Material is non toxic and non irritant, but care to follow instructions
Dimensional Stability
○ Very little distortion on removal from mouth once reasonable
thickness of imp material correct tray size
○ Once removed from mouth must be kept at 100% humidity
(wrapped in damp paper towel) as changes in dimension will occur
due to loss of water. Models should be poured within 1 hour due to
risk of syneresis and imbibition

○ These imp materials rarely used nowadays due to expense with

start up, maintenance of baths due to risk of contamination and
technique sensitive procedure. However very accurate and can be
used for fixed indirect restorations or duplicating models in lab
 Irreversible Hydrocolloids (Alginate)

○ Most commonly used dental impression material

Sol------------------------Gel
Irrev chem rxn

Presentation
Powder to which a measured amount of water is added creating
a paste (sol phase) which is loaded into a tray and seated into
patients mouth. Paste sets forming the gel phase and the
impression removed from mouth
 Composition
Component Amount (%) Purpose
Sodium alginate 18 Forms hydrogel
Calcium sulphate dihydrate 14 Reacts with soluble alginate to
form insoluble calcium alginate
Sodium phosphate 2 Reacts with calcium ions to give
working time
Potassium sulphate 10 Reduces inhibition of setting of
model
Fillers 56 Control consistency and
flexibilty
Sodium silicoflouride 4 Controls pH
Organic glyocols Trace Reduces dustiness of powder

Oil and pigment Pleasant taste and color

 Setting reaction
○ A chemical rxn that cross links the polymer chain, these cross
links cannot be broken, irreversible

Potassium alginate +Calcium Sulphate dehydrate + Water

-----------
Calcium alginate + Potassium Sulphate

Rapid dissolution of calcium sulphate would give the material

inadequate working time, sodium phosphate controls the release of
calcium ion. Sodium phosphate acts as a retarder and the amount
added can be varied to produce regular and fast setting materials.
 Properties
Permanent Deformation
○ Compression of material occurs as it is removed from the mouth particularly from
undercuts and failure to return to its original shape i.e. material distorts
○ Most alginates have a recovery from deformation of about 98.5%
○ PD will only occur in areas where it has been stressed
How can we Reduce PD?
1. Reduce compression by increasing the bulk of imp material
2. Reducing the time the impression is compressed i.e. snap removal
3. Allowing longer time for recovery, not pouring the model for about 1 hour
Dimensional stability
○ Poor dimensional stability due to loss or imbibition of water on standing in dry or
wet conditions. Should be poured up within 2 hours of impression taking
lab required- ideally should be poured within an hour
Hydrophilicity
○ Hydrophilic and can produce detailed impressions in a wet field

Strength
○ Low tear resistance

○ Increasing the strength of the imp material is necessary so as to

reduce incidence of tearing on removal
HOW?
1. Increase powder/liquid ratio

2. Sufficient spatulation for consistency and all particles being

dissolved
3. Over spatulation can reduce strength by disruption of the
forming of calcium alginate gel
Advantages Disadvantages
Easy flow Poor dimensional stability
Reproduction of adequate detail Poor tear strength
Fast set Distorts if unsupported
Minimal tissue displacement 3mm thickness req’d to prevent
distortion
Cheap Easy to include air
Good patient tolerance

Indications Contraindications
Study casts Fixed indirect cast restorations
Opposing arch Full Dentures
Removable orthodontic appliances
Partial Dentures
Occlusal splints /Bleaching trays
 ALGINATE MIXING:
Polythene bowl
Close-fitting spatula
15 secs incorporation
45 secs spatulation

Most important factor affecting working time is water

temperature!
Correct mix gives 10% strain (max) without tearing
hot it will set more quickly than in winter
○ Mixing time 45-60 Seconds
○ Working time
● Regulated by amount of sodium phosphate, smaller
amounts lead to shorter working time
● Varies from 45 sec (fast set) to 1 min 15 sec(regular set)
○ Setting time
● Varies from 1 min to 4.5 minutes
● Influenced by amount of sodium phosphate
● Temp of water-cold slows setting time and warm speeds
up set
 Disinfection

○ Essential to prevent cross contamination

○ Commercial disinfectants are available and have been tested for
compatibility with impression material and have no adverse effects
on dimensional stability and accuracy when used in accordance
with instructions
○ Alternatively 1% sodium hypochlorite made up freshly for each
impression for 10 min
○ CAUTION as immersion in disinfection will affect dimensional
stability
too long in liquid and impression will expand

Storage and care

Wrapped in moist paper towel (wet under tap and wrung out- too wet or dry will affect
relative humidity)
 elastomers
POLYSULPHIDE (POLYSULFIDE)

SILICONE (POLYSILOXANE)

POLYETHER

AGAR
hydrocolloids ALGINATE
 Elastomeric Impression materials
Set v quickly and dimensional stabilty absorb water and evaporation
○ Address the shortcomings of alginates and agars
○ Required for fine detail and accuracy

○ Elastomeric impression materials are characterized as

polymers which set by chain lengthening and cross
linking . There are 3 major types
• Polysulphides
• Polyethers
• Silicones
- Condensation silicones
- Addition silicones
- Vinyl polyether silicone
 crown prep- mm of tooth removed

Model?

Indirect technique
Pattern
•Crowns
•Inlays
•Bridges etc
 Polysulphides
○ Very rarely used
Presentation
○ Paste/paste system

○ Material has a distinct unpleasant smell and taste

○ Long set time

Setting reaction
water is released- dimensionally unstable
Condensation polymerisation reaction
Slightly exothermic about 3-4 deg C
Small amount of water produced as a by product
 Properties
○ Poly sulphides are most prone to permanent deformation of
this group of materials, elastic properties not ideal, strain may
not be recovered- SNAP REMOVAL
○ High tear strength, but can cause problems if flows into
interdental spaces, leads to perm deformation on removal
○ Susceptible to environmental change, temperature and humidity
○ Requires excellent moisture control
bridge teeth prep need to be completely dry- saliva and biofilm and blood removed
○ Difficult to mix and unmixed catalyst may be left in the material
○ Should be used in a special tray
 when isolation is difficult

Polyethers
○ Most Hydrophilic elastomeric material (good to get impression of finish lines in
imperfect conditions)
○ Non toxic, non irritant

Presentation
Paste (base)/Paste(accelerator) system
Base paste consisting of polyether polymer, a plasticizer such as glycoether or
phthalate and colloidal silica as an inert filler
Accelerator paste consists of an aromatic sulphonate ester, a plasticizer and an
inert filler
Monophase technique (impression material around the tooth and in the tray is the
same)
Single viscosity but a thinner is available to produce low viscosity wash, which can
address the stiffness problem
 Setting Reaction
○ Cross linking reaction between the aziridine at the end of
each polyether molecule chain lengthening occurs by
cationic polymerization of the imine groups on the polymer
chain
○ Base to accelerator ratio is 4:1
○ No reaction by products and so this material has good
dimensional stability
○ Must be stored in a DRY environment as it can absorb
water and at ROOM TEMP (cold temp will increase its
viscosity) pack in seperate bag
 Properties
○ Very Stiff- can cause problems removing from patients mouth, extra care
when crowns/ bridges present
‘soft’ polyether variants have been produced
-Select larger trays to allow for greater bulk of material
-Care on removal from model as thin dies can fracture
undercuts result in deformation- very difficult to remove

○ Good tear resistance

○ Good dimensional stability- only small amounts of polymerization contraction
(die slightly larger than in the mouth)
○ Water sorption - dry on removal from mouth and only place in disinfectant for
recommended time. Dry with air syringe and store in a bag separate to
impressions to be kept moist.
Indications contraindications
Indirect cast restorations Small thin preparations may # fracture
Functional impression
When moisture control is an issue
 Silicones
○ 2 Types
○ Addition cured
○ Condensation cured
completely dry and isolate the tooth

○ HYDROPHOBIC –silicone oxygen bond is hydrophobic in

nature
 light-bodied lowest viscosity
crown prep

medium-bodied
heavy-bodied
stiff- difficult to remove undercuts
putty

Determined by manufacturer by adding

fillers or plasticisers
 Condensation Silicones
Presentation
○ Base paste (putty) and a low viscosity accelerator paste is kneaded
into the mass of the putty
○ Correct proportioning is critical; -too little activator will lead to
incomplete cure and poor mechanical properties and decreased tear
resistance. Excess activator will lead to incomplete cure and
unreacted ethyl end gps.
Ingredient Purpose
Base paste
Dimethyl siloxane Reactive terminal hydroxyl end gps
Colloidal silica Filler
Accelerator Paste
Tetra ethyl silicate Crosslinking agent
Setting reaction
○ Condensation reaction with the release of ethyl alcohol
○ As the alcohol evaporates the impression material shrinks
significantly
Properties
○ Very important correct proportioning and activator is
incorporated accurately – working and setting and mechanical
properties
○ TES susceptible to hydrolysis- cannot be contaminated with
water
Indications
○ Most commonly used in removable prosthodontics eg working
impressions for metal based dentures or relines. Can be used
for indirect cast restorations
 Addition Cured Silicones
○ MOST popular materials used in Advanced restorative
Dentistry
○ No by product produced in the setting reaction –dimensionally
stable and more accurate
○ Presentation
• Putty and heavy bodied
• Universal (medium) bodied
• Light bodied
• Extra light bodied
Ingredient Purpose
Base/Putty
Poly methyl hydrogen siloxane polymer
Siloxane prepolymers Cross linking polymer
Quartz Filler
Catalyst paste
Poly vinyl siloxane Polymer
Chloroplatinic salt Catalyst
Quartz Filler
Surfactants Regulates setting
Retarders Aids wetting of hydrophobic silicone
 Setting reaction
○ The hydrogen from the hydrogen siloxane backbone links with
the vinyl gp on the other siloxane to form a cross linked
polymer
○ Some addition silicones release hydrogen gas which can lead
to porosities in the model , impressions must be left for a
period of time before models are poured… important to
consult manufacturer guidelines on this can lead to porosities
NB Sulphur containing materials will inhibit the platinum catalyst
should they come in contact with the impression
material…..latex free gloves should be used in instances where
2 putties are kneaded together by hand sulphur can contaminate the setting of these material
 Properties
○ Due to the hydrophobicity of these materials moisture control is
very important –appear as rolled edge of the preparation in the
impression
○ Dimensional stability is excellent, impression can be used to
pour up more than one model. Die spacers used to ensure
restoration will fit
○ Material will increase in stiffness up to 3 hours after clinical set.
Suggested may help with tear resistance if impression is kept in
mouth slightly longer than manufacturer guidelines, care if
undercuts present
○ Poor tear resistance
○ Material may react with oxygen inhibited layer on a recently
placed comp –use separator
 Vinyl polyether Silicone

○ New material

○ Claims to have benefits of both polyether and addition silicone

• Eg high elasticity, tear resistance, hydrophilic and good flow
properties

○ Reacts with latex and retraction cord

○ Further research required

 RHEOLOGY
- Science of the deformation and flow of matter
(usually under an applied stress)

○ Liquids ○ Solids
● viscosity ● Creep
● viscoelasticity
 Maxwell
model

Voigt
both model
• permanent set
• recovery time
may be features of impression
materials on stressing
Rapid stressing to minimise “permanent set”
Maxwell
model

Adequate recovery time (eg 30mins for elastomers)

before pouring impression
Voigt
model
 HYDROCOLLOIDS
“NON-RIGID” ELASTOMERS (rubber-like)

“RIGID” IMPRESSION PASTE (ZnO/EUGENOL)

IMPRESSION COMPOUND
IMPRESSION PLASTER
IMPRESSION WAXES