By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    improving patient experience
    6 Ways to Improve Patient Satisfaction Within Hospitals
    December 1, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    What Are The Health Benefits Of Having A Degree?
    March 9, 2022
    custom software development is changing healthcare
    Digital Customer Journey Mapping and its Importance for Healthcare
    July 21, 2022
    Latest News
    Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
    May 16, 2025
    Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
    May 16, 2025
    Choosing the Right Supplement Manufacturer for Your Brand
    May 1, 2025
    Engineering Temporary Hospitals for Extreme Weather
    April 24, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Can Thinking Younger Make You Live Longer?
    April 20, 2011
    Image
    Obesity’s Outlook Unchanged
    June 13, 2011
    When It’s An Emergency Elderly Not Treated As Well in Hospitals
    July 16, 2011
    Latest News
    Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
    May 18, 2025
    The Critical Role of Healthcare in Personal Injury Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide for Victims
    May 14, 2025
    The Backbone of Successful Trials: Clinical Data Management
    April 28, 2025
    Advancing Your Healthcare Career through Education and Specialization
    April 16, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Materials and Techniques for Taking Dental Impressions
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Technology > Medical Innovations > Materials and Techniques for Taking Dental Impressions
Dental healthMedical InnovationsSpecialtiesTechnology

Materials and Techniques for Taking Dental Impressions

Dentists need to use the right impression materials to perform operations on their patients.

Allison Hart
Last updated: December 2, 2022 8:57 pm
Allison Hart
Share
5 Min Read
dental impressions
Shutterstock Photo License - MilanMarkovic78
SHARE

Dental sector professionals have a wide range of impression materials at their disposal and can choose the product best suited for each specific treatment. Due to recent technical developments in the field of dentistry, the latest impression materials guarantee more accurate final results and less discomfort for patients. One of the most important recent advances in dentistry is in the field of impression materials. In this article we examine the characteristics needed and recommended techniques for use.

Contents
Alginates for dental impressionsAddition and condensation silicones

Alginates for dental impressions

Alginate impression materials are indispensable for many common procedures. They require collaboration between the dental practice and the laboratory. Since they can be easily mixed and are well tolerated by patients, these materials are widely used to take preliminary and primary impressions and in the production of study models.

To ensure correct use of these compounds, however, it is important to follow certain procedures. Read our useful hints on how to take a dental impression and achieve high-performance results.

Correct dosing of water and powder is one of the most important aspects to bear in mind. The water-to-powder ratio determines the properties of the material and influences manufacturer’s specifications like times and compound stability. If the dentist chooses to mix manually, he should measure out the powder first and add the water afterwards. Powder should also be shaken prior to use to distribute the mix more evenly. Many dentists prefer automatic to manual mixing. This recent development in dental technology reduces the number of bubbles in the mix and therefore reduces macroscopic defects in the impression and the stone model.

More Read

Telehealth, Remote Monitoring and Mobile Health
Investment in Healthcare IT is on the Rise – Are We Ready for Change?
New Study Contradicts ‘Conclusion’ about Lab Studies
ATA 2013 Market Outlook Session: What’s Slowing Down Telehealth?
Predictors of Hospitalization in Congestive Heart Failure Patients

Once the mix has been prepared, the dentist can choose from various types of tray to suit the clinical case and their own personal preferences. Two common ways to improve retention between the alginate and the impression tray are to use a perforated tray or to apply an adhesive compatible with the chemical and physical properties of the alginate.

If a stone model cannot be cast immediately, alginate impressions can be preserved by eliminating excess water, placing them in a sealed polythene bag, and storing them at ambient temperature in a container in the dental practice. Take care not to leave impressions standing in disinfectant solution too long, as extended soaking can damage alginate materials. Hydrocolloids are hydrophilic by nature and expand when immersed in disinfectant or water.

These impressions are some of the most important tools dentists can use. It is important to use them correctly.

Addition and condensation silicones

Silicones are among the most reliable and accurate modern impression materials. Addition silicones like Zhermack’s Hydrorise System range are extremely accurate and reliable while condensation silicones like Zhermack’s Zetaplus System range guarantee excellent final hardness and reduced risk of tearing during removal from the mouth.

When dosing addition silicones, measuring spoons should never be mixed up. Never measure catalyst with the base spoon or vice versa. Contamination between the two components can prevent correct curing of the final compound. Likewise, latex gloves should not be worn when working with addition silicones. Latex interferes with the platinum catalyst and inhibits polymerisation. Nitrile or vinyl gloves should be worn instead.

The dosing phase is of fundamental importance with condensation silicones too. An incorrect amount of catalyst can impact the chemical and physical properties of the material and lead to poorer performance. Using more catalyst than specified in the instructions, for example, will reduce dimensional stability of the compound and shorten working time and time in mouth. Unlike addition silicones, condensation types can be worked with latex as well as vinyl and nitrile gloves without causing any alteration in their properties.

Do not use different materials for the impression tray and the preparation. If a condensation silicone is used as impression tray material and an addition silicone for the preparation, the surfaces may not adhere well, since the two materials have very different chemical structures.

TAGGED:dental caredentistrydentists
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Allison Hart
Follow:
My name is Allison Hart and I am a healthcare blogger specializing in medical topics. Having worked as a registered nurse for the past 10 years, I have gained extensive knowledge about all aspects of health care, including preventative medicine and treatments for chronic illnesses.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Clinical Expertise
Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
Health care
May 18, 2025
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Health
May 15, 2025
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Health
May 15, 2025
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction heart treatment
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction
Cardiology
May 13, 2025

You Might also Like

Notes From Afield—#TEDMED, Day One

October 28, 2011

What Doctors Should Know About Symptoms & Dangers of Concussions

December 31, 2015
Specialties

5 Common Gynecological Issues That Indicate You Need To See A Doctor

March 23, 2020
Senior CareSpecialties

4 Tips for People Who Are Dealing with Debilitating Illnesses

August 19, 2019
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?