The accuracy of dental impression materials is of utmost importance in modern dentistry. These impressions form the basis for a variety of dental restorations, from crowns and bridges to dentures and implants. The quality of these restorations is highly dependent on impression materials and dental impression techniques used during the impression-taking process. As a well-known manufacturer and supplier of professional dental products, Aidite provides high-quality dental equipment with different specifications to meet your needs.
What Are Dental Impression Materials?
The dental impression materials are substances used to create a negative reproduction of the hard and soft tissues in the mouth. These materials assist the dentists in the precise formation of the restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. The final function and comfort of the dental prostheses are directly influenced by the effectiveness of these impression materials.
Types of Dental Impression Materials
Dental impression materials can be classified based on their mechanical properties as elastic and non–elastic.
1. Non-Elastic (Rigid) Impression Materials
These impression materials in dentistryare to be used when there are no undercuts since the material binds to a rigid form and doesn’t bend when pulled off. They are made for straight full dentures or other indications that need more steadiness. Non-elastic impression materials are specified in three different types. Those are:
A. Impression Plaster
This is a calcium sulfate-containing dentist impression material that is most popularly used for edentulous impressions. Although it gives a faithful and precise mimicry of the soft tissues of an oral cavity, it is rigid and not applicable for impression to dentate patients.
B. Impression Compound
This is dental impression material in a plastic state at high temperatures and hardening it upon cooling. Generally, it is used for getting shapes when you apply a more precise material end.
C. Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE)
A paste-based dentistry impression material that polymerizes into a solid, stable form It is often used for full dentures and has a great detail reproduction.
Pros and Cons of Non-Elastic Dental Impression Materials
Pros:
- Once set, it is extremely stable and prevents distortions
- Wonderful for impressions for complete dentures.
- Cost-effective and easy to manipulate.
Cons:
- Do not bend well, and as such are inappropriate for impressions with undercuts.
- Brittle when pulled off
- ZOE may also irritate based on the materials.
2. Elastic Impression Materials
They are used primarily because they are able to reproduce both hard and soft tissue details with high precision and can capture undercuts without distortion. Elastic dental impression materials are divided into two different types. Those are:
A. Hydrocolloids
These impression materials in dentistry are based on water (a hydrocolloid) and classified into reversible and irreversible hydrocolloids.
- Reversible Hydrocolloids (Agar): Gelatin based impression materials that are reusable but require special equipment to maintain temperature.
- Irreversible hydrocolloids (Alginate): These are generally used for preliminary impressions owing to ease of use and low cost.
Pros and Cons of Hydrocolloids
Pros:
- Well hydrophilic so you will perform better under moist environments
- They have a fast cure time, so you can come back and use it for multiple uses.
- Since these hydrocolloids allow reuse, this helps to reduce the amount of material that is wasted.
- Less expensive than elastomeric materials
Cons:
- Need to pour it straight away in order not to change dimensions.
- Temperature controlled equipment is required for reversible hydrocolloids.
- Least accurate than elastomeric materials.
- If the material is treated inadequately, irreversible hydrocolloids can shrink down.
B. Elastomeric Materials
These synthetic rubber-based dentistry impression materials are known for their accuracy, tear resistance, and flexibility, making them ideal for detailed impressions.
- Polysulfides: A little more flexible, it can be used in removable prosthetics and has strong tear strength as well.
- Condensation Silicones: A silicone-based dental impression material that polymerizes with a condensation reaction; good elastic recovery, but some shrinkage
- Addition Silicones (Polyvinyl Siloxane – PVS): Very high accuracy impression material in dentistry with excellent dimensional stability and no shrinkage.
- Polyethers: A hydrophilic dental impression material that is excellent for fine detail reproduction and wet conditions.
Pros and Cons of Elastomeric Materials
Pros:
- Capture for high level of accuracy and fine detail
- Dimensional stability also guarantees that over time, distortion will be minimal.
- Excellent tear strength means its easy to remove from undercuts.
- Best for permanent restorations that are crowns, bridges, and implants
Cons:
- Costlier than hydrocolloids and stiff materials.
- Certain materials need to be handled with extra Dental Care and stored in a specific location.
- In some formulations, it takes a longer setting time.
- Elastomeric materials may have a strong odor or taste, which is discomforting for a patient.
Properties of an Ideal Impression Material
The perfect dental impression materials must have the below properties:
- Precision: This refers to the ability to record minute details of the soft tissues in the mouth.
- Resistant to Shape Change: Holds its shape without deforming in the long term.
- Tear-Resistant: Does not tear while being taken out of the mouth when forces are applied
- Work & Setting Time: Provides enough working time to perform manipulations and is set in clinically relevant time frames.
- Biocompatible: Non-cytotoxic and non-irritant to oral tissues
- User-friendly: Easy to mix and manage, with no complicated sterilization techniques needed.
Dental Impression Techniques
Although various types of dental impression materials are available, they are only as successful as the technique used to obtain them. Examples of common dental impression technique are as follows:
1. Single-Step Impression Technique
This involves the use of one dental impression material in a single step. It is quick and suitable for less complex procedures.
2. Two-Step Impression Technique
More complex technique in which a putty material is used to create an initial impression followed by a wash impression of more viscous materials. The method uses high precision, which makes it suitable for crowns and bridges.
3. Digital Impressions
Due to improvements in technology, most of the dentistry now has shifted to intraoral scanning from traditional impression materials in dentistry. Digital impressions are more accurate and comfortable for the patient and consume less chair time.
Benefits of High-Quality Impression Materials in Dentistry
The advantages of using a higher quality impression material in dentistry are:
- Improved Fit and Precision: Aligns restorations with the patient tooth at an exact match.
- Reduce Remakes: Quality dental impression materials help in minimizing errors and hence reducing the repeated impressions.
- Improved Patient Experience: Owing to fast setting times and comfortable materials, patient compliance increases.
Consider 3D Impressions with CAD/CAM Technology
Fortunately, traditional dental impression materials are not the only solution for obtaining precise impressions of oral structures anymore, as we are entering the age of digital dentistry. With the help of CAD/CAM, dental practitioners have shifted from using the traditional method of taking impressions to a far more innovative and effective way of precise restorations. These systems eliminate physical impression materials, which can be uncomfortable for patients and can slow down the workflow.
Benefits of Digital Impressions
- Maximization of precision: remove the distortions results from conventional materials
- Quicker Handling: impressions are available for real-time inspection and adjustment.
- Enhanced Patient Comfort: No need for messy materials in the mouth.
- Integration with CAD/CAM Systems: Connects directly to milling machines and 3D printers.
Aidite dental scanners come with the latest technology to take accurate digital impressions that improve the efficiency and accuracy of dental functions. Discover advanced scanning solutions from Aidite.
Conclusion
The right dental impression materials ensure the success of dental restorations. Knowledge of their characteristics and use allows dental professionals to choose the optimal materials for achieving the best treatment outcomes for their patients. Aidite’s range of dentist impression material exemplifies quality and innovation, supporting practitioners in delivering exceptional dental care.are.