Available Elastic Impression Materials:

Advantages Disadvantages Recommended Use Precautions

Irreversible Rapid Set Poor Accuracy Diagnostic Casts Pour Immediately
Hydrocolloids Straightforward Technique (Not Suitable for Working
Low Cost Casts)
Reversible Hydrocolloids Hydrophilic Low Tear Strength Multiple Preparations Pour Immediately
Long Working Time Low Stability Problems with Moisture (Only With Stone)
Low Cost Equipment Needed*
No Custom Tray Required
Polysulfide Polymer High Tear Strength Messy Most Impressions Pour Within 1 Hour
Easier to Pour Unpleasant Odor (10 Minutes to Set)
Long Setting Time
Stability (Only Fair)
Addition Silicon Dimensional Stability Hydrophobic Most Impressions Delay Pour of Some
Short Setting Time Poor Wetting Materials
Automix Available Some Release H2
Pleasant to Use Hydrophilic Formulations Care To Avoid Bubbles
(Imbibe Moisture)
Condensation Silicon Pleasant to Use Hydrophobic Most Impressions Pour Immediately,
Short Setting Time Poor Wetting Care To Avoid Bubbles
Low Stability
Polyether Dimensional Stability Very Stiff (Set Material) Most Impressions Care Not to Break Teeth
Short Setting Time Imbibition (When Separating Cast)
Automix Available Short Working Time
Accuracy

*Water-Cooled Trays & Special Conditioning Unit.

By:
Noor Al-Deen M. Al-Khanati