PRESENTED BY,

Dr. ARUNIMA UPENDRAN

1ST YEAR
MDS

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 Introduction
 Definition
 History
 Classification
 Ideal requirements
 Clinical application
 Properties
 Elastomers
 Recent advances
 Impression making with elastomers
 Effects of mishandling
 References
 conclusion

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 Impression materials are used to produce the accurate replicas
of intraoral tissues.

 There are a wide variety of impression materials available each

with their own properties, advantages and disadvantages.

 Materials in common use can be classified as elastic or non-

elastic according to the ability of the set material to be
withdrawn over undercuts.

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 Elastomer : a polymer that has a glass
transition temperature that is below its service
temperature (usually room temperature);
these materials are characterized by low
stiffness and extremely large elastic strains

Elastomeric impression material: a group of

flexible chemical polymers that are either chemically
or physically cross-linked; generally, they can be easily
stretched and rapidly recover their original dimensions
when applied stresses are released

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 Historically, impression making was accomplished with
inelastic materials for both soft and hard tissues.
 Hydrocolloid was initially introduced to make impressions
of hard tissues in place of inelastic materials.

 After World War II (1950s), a group of synthetic rubbery

materials called elastomers Polysulphides and
Condensation Silicones) , which are capable of making
impressions of both soft and hard tissues are developed.

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 1960s : Polyether impression material developed in
Germany
 1970s : Addition silicone was introduced as a dental
impression material
 1988 : Latest addition and light cure elastomers
 1990-2000 : New auto devices and delivery systems

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Sufficiently fluid to adapt to the oral tissues

Viscous enough to be contained in a tray

Able to transform (set) into a rubbery or rigid solid in the mouth in a

reasonable time (less than 7 min),

Resistant to distortion or tearing when removed from the mouth,

Dimensionally stable long enough to allow one or more casts to be

poured

Biocompatible

Cost-effective in terms of time as well as the expense of the associated

processing equipment.
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1) Impression material for all applications including
- Fixed partial dentures
- Dentulous and edentulous impressions

2) Border moulding of special trays(polyether)

3) Bite registration
4) As duplicating material for refractory casts

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9
Elastomeric impression materials are of four types
according to the chemical nature of the material:

Silicon
rubbers
Polysulphide (condensati
on curing
type)

Silicon
rubbers
polyether
(addition
curing type)

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 Consistency is measured by pressing 0.5 ml of mixed
material between two flat plates applying a force of
1.5N.
 Consistency is defined by average diameter of the
resulting disc of the material.
 Diameter viscosity

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 Consistency of test disc
diameter(mm)
Type Description Min Max
0 Very high 35
consistency
(putty like)
1 High 35
consistency
(heavy
bodied)
2 Medium 31 41
consistency
(medium
bodied)
3 Low 36
consistency
(light
bodied)
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Type Max permanent Max flow in Max
deformation compression dimensional
change
in 24 hrs
I 2.5 0.5 -0.5
II 2.5 0.5 -1
III 5.5 2 -0.5

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 Workability
 Dimensional stability
 Accuracy
 Rheological properties
 Elasticity
 Tear strength
 Biocompatibility
 Shelf life

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Impression Mean working time (min) Mean setting time(min)
material
23ºC 37ºC 23ºC 37ºC

Polysulfide 6.0 4.3 16.0 12.5

Condensati 3.3 2.5 11.0 8.9
on silicon
Addition 3.1 1.8 8.9 5.9
silicon
Polyether 3.3 2.3 9.0 8.3

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Material %decrease in %decrease in
working time setting time
when temp when temp
increased increased
(mean) (mean)
Polysulfide 30 23
condensation 16 15.5
silicon
Addition silicon 38 31
Polyether 31 8.5

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 temperature - working & setting time
Viscosity
Humidity

 Curing of polyether is less sensitive to temperature

 modification of base/accelarator paste
 thinner - WT, slight ST

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 An impression material sustains some deformation as it
is removed from the mouth but it must rebound to its pre-
removal dimensions.
 An impression with a sufficiently high elastic limit should
not sustain permanent deformation.
 The elastic properties of these elastomeric impression
materials improve with an increase in curing time in the
mouth
 An extra time of 1 or 2 min before removal may be
beneficial.

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relative amount of permanent deformation in compression
following strain induced during removal increases in the following
order

Condensa
Addition polysulphi
tion polyether
silicone de
silicone

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 Stiffness

Condensat Addition
polysulfide ion silicon polyether
silicon

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 Ideally-should flow freely and wet the tissue as it is being
injected to achieve adaptation - then resist flow away
from the intended surface areas.
 This will facilitate spreading of heavy-body material on
the impression tray and retain it in the tray. This
phenomenon is called shear thinning
 Polyether – rigid – problem preparation on periodontally
weak tooth - # of dies & tearing of impression material at
the sulcus

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 Polymerization shrinkage
 Loss of byproduct
 Thermal contraction from oral temperature to room
temperature
 Imbibitions
 Incomplete recovery of deformation(visco elastic nature)
 Pour within 30 mins – polysulfide & condensation silicon

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 The amount of force needed to tear a specified test
specimen divided by the thickness of the specimen is
called the tear strength.
 The ranking of tear strength from the lowest to highest of
the impression materials is as follows

silicones polyether polysulfide

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 Probability of allergic reactions is low
 Polysulfide has the lowest cell death count

 Polyether has the highest cell death count ,toxicity and contact
dermatitis among the class.

 The most likely problem is lodgment of impression material in

gingival sulcus resulting in severe inflammation,

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o Subgingival regions are very thin – material can tear
o Residual segment of impression material difficult to detect 
radio opacity of polysulfide can help
 Severe gingival inflammation.
o Examine the gingival sulcus immediately
after impression removal and also the
impression for any evidence of tearing

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polysulfide 2 yrs
Condensation silicon stannous octoate oxidizes
Orthoethyl silicate is not stable in
presence of tin ester
Addition silicon 1-2 yrs
Poly ether > 2yrs

Cool, dry environment

Tubes always tightly sealed
Container closed

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 First synthetic elastomeric impression material
 Also known as MERCAPTAN or THIOKOL

 Mode of supply
 Collapsible tubes
 One labeled Base paste and
 Other labeled Accelerator paste
 Consistencies
 Light body(syringe or wash)
 Medium body (regular)
 Heavy body

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Base paste •Polysulphide Polymerized and cross
prepolymer with terminal linked to form rubber
and pendanthiol (-SH
groups)-80-85%
•Plasticizer – di-n-butyl To control viscosity
phthalate
•Inert filler- possible To give ‘body’ control
chalk or titanium dioxide- viscosity and modify
16-18% physical properties
Catalyst paste •PbO2 / other alternative To react with thiol
oxidizing agent-60-68% groups- setting
•Sulphur-0.5% Setting reaction
•Inert oil- paraffin type/ To form a paste with
di-n-butyl phthalate PbO2 and sulphur

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Polysulfide Lead
polysulphide water
prepolymer dioxide

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 working time – 4-7 mins
 Setting time – 7-10 mins
Colder climate- ST
A drop of water accelerates the reaction.
 Lowest viscosity
 excellent reproduction of details
 Dimensional stability -
Percent contraction (at 24hrs) – 0.40%-0.45%
Shrinkage is due to loss of polymerization byproduct
such as water

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 Deformation on removal
caused by rocking the impression while removal;
it should be removed with a single swift pull
 High tear strength – 2500-7000 gm/cm2
 Biocompatibility – lowest cell death count
 Moderately hydrophilic
 Unpleasant odor and taste
 Can be electroplated with copper sulphate

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 ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Long working time Requires custom tray

Obnoxious odor
Good tear strength
Tendency to run down patient’s
Radiopaque throat
Stains clothing (pbO2) & messy to
work with
High flexibility
Must be poured within 1 hour
Lower cost Hydrophobic so impression area
has to be dry
Good reproduction of surface
details long setting time

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 First type of silicone impression material
 Also known as conventional silicone’
 The setting occurs in room temperature so called as RTV
silicones (room temperature vulcanization)
 Mode of supply
 Collapsible tubes
 Base paste
 Accelerator paste / liquid
 Putty is supplied in jars

 low, medium, high, and very high (putty) consistencies

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 Composition Function

Paste •α- ω hydroxyl- Undergoes cross

terminated linking to form rubber
polydimethyl siloxane
(liquid silicon
prepolymer) Gives ‘body’,
•Inert filler - silica controls viscosity &
modifies physical
properties

Liquid •Alkyl silica – tetra Cross linking agent

ethyl silicate
•Tin compound – Reaction catalyst
dibutyl tin dilaurate/ tin
octoate
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Dimethyl Tetra ethyl Silicon Ethyl
siloxane orthosilicate rubber alcohol

Stannous octate

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 Working time- 2.5 – 4 mins
 Setting time – 6-8 mins
 Tear strength – 2300-2600 N/m
 % contraction at 24 hrs- 0.38-0.60% Polymerization
and evaporation of the alcohol
 Hydrophobic
 Can be electroplated with silver and copper
 Stiffer and harder than polysulfide

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ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGES

Clean and pleasant High polymerization shrinkage

Volatile alcohol byproduct

Good working time

Low tear strength

Easily seen margins
Hydrophobic

Pour immediately

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 Also known as polyvinyl siloxane or vinyl polysiloxane
 Mode of supply
 Collapsible tubes
 Base paste and
 Accelerator paste
 Putty is supplied in jars
 Consistencies

 Light body (syringe or wash)

 Medium body (regular)
 Heavy body
 Putty

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 Composition Function
Base paste •Poly(methyl hydrogen Undergoes cross
siloxane) linking
• Other siloxane
prepolymers
• Fillers- colloidal silica controls viscosity
35-75%
Accelerator •Di vinyl polysiloxane
prepolymers Cross linking agents
•Platinum salt
catalyst
(chloroplatinic acid)
• Palladium Hydrogen absorber
• Retarders
• Fillers

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Polymethy Chloropl
lhydrosilo Divinylpoly Silicon
atinic
xane siloxane rubber
acid

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 Working time – 2-4 mins
 Setting time – 4-6.5 mins
 Tear strength – 1500-4300 N/m
 Percent contraction- 0.14-0.17%
 Pseudo plastic
 Exhibits lowest permanent distortion

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 Sulphur contamination- inhibits setting
 Vinyl gloves also – sulphur containing stabilizer used
in the manufacturing process
 Even touching the tooth with the gloves before
seating impression – inhibits setting
• Inhibition of polymerization reaction- distortion
• Contact of internal surface of impression with gloved
hands :-
- Failure of the material adjacent to the tray to
polymerize
- Separation of the tray from the
impression material

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 Aluminum sulfate and ferric sulfate → gingival retraction
cord → retardation
 Residues from acrylics, methacrylates and petroleum
jelly lubricants may interfere with setting reaction of
material

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 Danuta Nowakowska , et al conducted a study on
Polymerization time compatibility index of polyvinyl
siloxane impression materials with conventional and
experimental gingival margin displacement agents
 They concluded that all of the evaluated displacement
agents at laboratory and intraoral temperatures induced
changes in the polymerization time of PVS. Therefore,
chemical displacement agents should not come into
direct contact with PVS impression materials.

(J Prosthet Dent 2014;112:168-175)

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ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Highly accurate  Hydrophobic
 High dimensional stability  Expensive
 Pleasant to use  Hydrogen gas evaluation in
 Short setting time some materials
 Auto mix available  Hydrophilic formulations
 If hydrophilic, good imbibe moisture
compatibility with gypsum  Sulfur contamination by latex
glove

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 First elastomer to be developed primarily to function as
an impression material
 Mode of supply
 Collapsible tubes
 Base paste
 Accelerator paste
 Third tube containing thinner may be supplied
 Consistencies
 Light bodied(syringe or wash)
 Medium bodied (regular)
 Heavy bodied

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 composition
Base paste •Imine-terminated Cross linked to
(large tube) prepolymer form rubber
•Inert filler- silica To give body’
control viscosity
and physical
•Plasticizer- properties
phthalate To aid mixing
Catalyst paste •Ester derivative Initiate cross
(small tube) of aromatic linking
sulphonic acid
•Inert filler – silica To form paste
•Plasticizer-
phthalate

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 Sulfonic
polyether Cross linked rubber
ester

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 Working time – 3 mins
 Setting time – 6 mins
 Tear strength – 1800- 4800 N/m
 Percent contraction – 0.19 – 0.24%
 least amount of distortion
 Pseudo plastic
 Biocompatibility – contact dermatitis

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ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

 Dimensional stability  Set material very stiff

 Accuracy  Imbibition
 Shorter setting time  Short working time.
 Automix available  Allergic hypersensitivity in
some cases.

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Recent advances

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• In early 1988, a visible light cured impression was
introduced(Genesis L.D. caulk).
• Two viscosities - Light and heavy bodied
• Composition :-
 Polyether urethane dimethacrylate
 Photoinitiators (camphoroquinone)
 Photoaccelerators (Diethyl amino
ethyl methacrylate)
 Silicone dioxide (Filler)
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Properties :-
 Long working time and short setting time
 Blue light is used for curing with transparent
impression trays
 Tear strength-6000-7500 gm/cm2 (Highest among
elastomers)
 Dimensional stability, flow, detail reproduction,
permanent deformation, wettability, compatibility with
cast and die materials and electroforming is similar
to addition silicone

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 Manipulation :-
 Light body is syringed into the sulcus and over the

preparation
 Heavy body is loaded onto a clear tray and seated
over the light body
 Both are simultaneously cured with a visible light
curing unit having an 8mm or larger diameter probe
 Curing time is approximately 3 mins

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ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

 Controlled working time  Need special transparent

 Excellent properties trays
 Ease of cold disinfection  Difficult to cure in remote
without loss of quality. area
 The impression material is
also compatible with gypsum
and silver or copper
metallizing baths

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• Surfactants are added to reduce the contact angle; dilute
solution of soap

• Most commonly used – non-ionic surfactants

Oligoether or polyether substructure

Hydrophilic part
silicon compatible hydrophobic part

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 Diffusion – controlled transfer of surfactant molecules
from PVS to aqueous phase

Reduction in surface tension

Greater wettability

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 used for making intraoral or extraoral occlusal bite
registrations for fixed or removable restoration and
implants.
 Fast intraoral set time of 20 secs – 1 min
 Doesnot slump or drip
 Supplied as cartridges to be used
With a caulking gun

 Commercial name;
Exabyte – Gc
Jet bite – Coltene whaledent

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 This latest technique consists of a double barrel caulking
gun with mixing tip. The tip contains spirals on the inside.
Forcing of the base & accelerator results in its mixing.
 e.g. Volume mixer (Kerr), Pentamix(3M ESPE)

Advantages :-
More uniform mix
Less air bubbles
Reduced working time

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 Hybrid polyether / polysiloxane material that has both
hydrophilicity and dimensional accuracy, before,during

and after set.

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 Specialised addition silicone
 Used for checking errors in the internal surface of crowns
and fpd
 Available as two paste system
 Areas of premature contacts are revealed as bare areas,
which are marked and removed

 Commercial name
Fit Checker - GC

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1. Preparing a tray
2. Managing tissue
3. Preparing the material
4. Making an impression
5. Removing the impression
6. Preparing stone casts and dies

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 1.Paint on adhesives
Eg Coltene, Kerr Universal VPS.
 2. Spray adhesives
Eg Sili spray

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 Polysulfide
 Butyl rubber
 Styrene / acrylonitrile
Dissolved in volatile solvent such as
chloroform or ketone
 Silicones
 Polydimethyl siloxane / similar reactant like silicon & ethyl
silicate
 Hydrated silica forms of ethyl silicate – bonds with the
tray
 Chemical bond between tray material and Polydimethyl
siloxane.

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 A. Peregrina et al, conducted a study on the effect of
different adhesives on vinyl polysiloxane bond strength to
two tray materials .
 Conclusion : The use of GC paint-on universal adhesive
provided significantly higher adhesive values than those
obtained with the adhesives supplied by the
manufacturers of the impression materials tested, with
the exception of the Kerr impression and adhesive
material combination where no significant differences
were found

(J Prosthet Dent 2005;94:209-13.)

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 Gingival retraction cord
 double-cord technique is used when the margin is very
close to the gingival attachment.
 Retraction cords - impregnated with a hemostatic agent
(epinephrine)
 An electrosurgical unit
 Or a soft tissue laser

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 Hand mixing
 Static mixing
 Dynamic mechanical mixing

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 Multiple mix technique
 Mono phase technique
 Putty wash technique

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Only one mix is made- Part of it is placed in the tray
Another portion is placed in syringe for injection
Medium viscosity of addition and polyether can be used.

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 Giuseppe Varvara et al, conducted an invitro study on
Evaluation of defects in surface detail for monophase, 2-
phase, and 3-phase impression techniques
 They concluded that the 3-phase, 2-step impression
injection technique provides improved defect-free
reproduction of detail, showing fewer defects than other
impression techniques.

(J Prosthet Dent 2015;113:108-113)

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 All elastomeric impression materials are viscoelastic, and
it is necessary to use a quick snap to minimize plastic
deformation

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 Debubblizers, a dilute solution of soap - wettability of
the silicone impression material for the stone slurry
 Excellent dimensional stability of addition silicone and
polyether impression - construct two or three casts or
dies

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 • Immersion
Polysulphide • Gluteraldehyde , chlorine compounds,
iodophors, phenolics
Silicones • Disinfectants requiring more than 30
mins are not recommended

• Immersion with caution

Polyether • Chlorine compounds , iodophors
• Short term exposure – avoid distortion

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 Young S. Kang , et al conducted a study on Effects
of chlorine-based and quaternary ammonium-based
disinfectants on the wettability of a polyvinyl siloxane
impression material
 They concluded that
1. A QAB disinfectant product is more effective at
removing surfactant than a CLB disinfectant product.
Therefore, a CLB disinfectant provides more time
and control.
2. A wetting agent can reverse the hydrophobicity of
a disinfected PVS impression material if the duration
of cold disinfection is less than 6 hours.

(J Prosthet Dent 2017;117:266-270)

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 Comparison of properties of elastomers
Property Polysulphide Condensation Addition Polyethers
s silicones silicones

Viscosity 3 4 4 viscosities single

viscosities (no viscosities including putty viscosity(regul
putty) including ar) + diluent +
putty putty

Tear Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate

resistance
Elasticity Visco elastic Very good Very good Adequate
material
Accuracy Good with Acceptable Good with Good with
special trays with stock stock trays special trays
trays
Dimensional Adequate Poured as Very good Very good in
stability quickly as low humidity
possible
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1. Rough / uneven surface
 Premature removal
 Improper mixing ratio
 Too rapid polymerisation
 Excessive high accelerator / base
ratio – condensation silicon

87
2. Bubbles
 Too rapid polymerisation preventing
flow
 Air incorporation

88
3.Irregularly shaped voids
 Moisture / debris

89
4.Rough / chalky stone cast
 Inadequate cleaning
 Excess water left on surface
 Excess wetting agent
 Premature removal
 Improper manipulation
 Failure to delay pour

90
5.Distortion
 Resin tray not aged sufficiently
 Lack of adhesion
 Lack of mechanical retention
 Premature development of elastic
properties
 Excessive bulk
 Insufficient relief
 Continued pressure
 Movement of tray
 Premature/improper removal from mouth
 Delayed pouring

91
6. Faulty electroplating

 Dimensional change in the elastomer – continued

polymerisation during electroplating
 Electrodeposited metal tend to contract during deposition
 Flat surface tend to become curved and sharp angles
rounded
 Improper adherence of the electroformed metal to
impression material – greater distortion

92
 Philips science of dental materials 12th edition
 Craig’s restorative dental materials 13th edition
 Mc Cabe and walls’ applied dental materials 9th edition
 William J O'Brien Dental materials selection 3rd edition
 Effects of chlorine-based and quaternary ammonium-
based disinfectants on the wettability of a polyvinyl
siloxane impression material (J Prosthet Dent
2017;117:266-270)
 Evaluation of defects in surface detail for monophase, 2-
phase, and 3-phase impression techniques (J Prosthet
Dent 2015;113:108-113)
 The dimensional stability of a vinyl polyether silicone
impression material over a prolonged storage period (J
Prosthet Dent 2013;109:172-178)
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 Elastomers since their introduction have revolutionised the art of
impression making hence allowing the operator to provide
acuurate fitting restorations

 Addition silicones and polyethers account for major portion of

the current practice.

 Condensation silicones, Polysulfides – more sensitive with

respect to handling considerations , mix-and-pour techniques,
which may affect accuracy.

94
 The understanding of basic knowledge of the impression
materials and their behavior during handling are
important for their use in the oral environment and clinical
success.

 The selection of the material best suited for a particular

clinical situation and technique rests with the operator.

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