Impression materials

by
Bibin bhaskaran
Impression materials
Definition :- (GPT):

1) A negative likeness or copy in reverse of the
surface or object.

2) An imprint of the teeth and adjacent
structures for use in dentistry
Impression material:-
Any substance or combination of substances
used for making an impression or negative
reproduction.

Impression technique:-
A method and manner used in making a
negative likeness.

inelastic or
rigid
elastic

material use material use
Chemical
reaction
(irreversible)
plaster of Paris Edentulous
ridge
Alginate
hydrocolloid
Teeth and

soft tissues

zinc oxide-eugenol Interocclusal
records
Non aqueous
elastomers

Polysulfide,polyet
her

Condensation
silicone

Addition silicones

classification






Thermally
induced
Physical
reaction
(reversible)







Compound wax







Preliminary
impression







Agar







TEETH &
SOFT
TISSUES
Classification
Based on rigidity : Rigid
eg Plaster,Zincoxide eugenol
impression compound
Elastic
eg Alginate,polyether,silicone


Based on setting of the material: 1.) Chemical reaction(irreversible)
eg plaster of paris,zincoxide eugenol
alginate,additon and condensation silicones
2 ) Physical change of state(reversible)
eg agar



Based on viscosity : Mucostatic

eg impression plaster,agar,
light body elastomer

Mucocompressive

eg Impression compound,alginates

Pseudoplastic

eg addition silicones


Based on interaction with saliva
and water : Hydrophobic
eg polysulfide ,condensation
silicones
Hydrophilic
eg putty,impression plaster
Based on use :
Primary
impression material
eg impression compound,alginate

Secondary
Impression material
eg Zoe,medium bodied elastomers

Duplicating
material
eg agar
Based on
Chemical composition : impression plaster
impression compound
metal oxide(zinc oxide eugenol)
pastes
agar hydrocolloid
alginate hydrocolloid
polysulfides
condensation silicones
addition silicones
polythers
light curing polyether
(urethane dimethacrylate)
Desirable qualities
Pleasant odor taste and color
Absence of toxic irritants
Adequate shelf life
Economical
Easy to use
Setting that meet clinical requirements
Satisfactory consistency
Readily wet oral tissues
Elastic
Adequate strenght
Dimensional stability
Compatiblity with cast and die materials
Accuracy
Disinfection

Impression plaster
ADA
specificat
ion
Composit
ion
Uses Mixing
time
Working
time
Setting
time
Advanta
ges
Disadvan
tages
No 25 Calcined
caso4
Anti
expansio
n agents
k2so4
Accelera
tors
k2so4
Retarder
borax
Gelatin
Gum
tragnath
Starch
Alizarin
red
Primary
impressio
n material
Seconda
ry
impressio
n material
60 sec Altered
by use of
additives
same Good
deatail
reproduct
ion
Inexpens
ive
Easy to
handle
Non
toxic
Increase
d shelf
life
Setting
time can
be
controlle
d.
Requires
separatin
g medium
Dry
sensation
to
patients
mouth
Impression plaster








The impressions are very accurate
Being hydrophilic it has got intimate contact with oral
tissues by absorbing surface moisture
Impression compound
ADA
specificatio
n
Compositi
on
Uses Flow Advantage
s
Disadvanta
ges
Disinfectio
n
No 3
Type 1-
Impression(
low fusing)
Type 2-
Tray(high
fusing)
Rosin
Copal
resin
Carnauba
wax
Stearic
acid
Talc
Coloring
agent
Type 1-
primary
impression,
peripheral
tracing
Type 2-As
a tray to
support
other
materials
Type 1
flow at
mouth
temp is 6%
Type 2
flow at
mouth
temp is 2%
Non toxic
and non
irritant
Hardens in
reasonably
acceptable
time
Compatibl
e with
gypsum
products
No
separating
medium
required
Although
plastic not
fluid
enough to
record fine
detail
Distorts
over
undercuts
Shrinkage
on cooling
Dimension
al change
on storage


2%alkaline
glutarldehy
de

Impression compound







Fusion temperature of impression compound is 43.5 degree
celesius
Zinc oxide eugenol impression material
ADA
specificat
ion
Composit
ion
Uses Mixing
time
Setting
time
Advanta
ges
Disadvan
tages
Disinfecti
on
No 16
Type1
(hard)
Type 2
(soft)
2 tubes
Tube 1-
ZnO
Veg or
mineral
oil
Tube 2-
Clove oil
or
eugenol
Gum/pol
ymerised
rosin
Filler
silica
Lanolin
Accelera
tors
cacl2,mgc
l2

Impressi
on pastes
Cement
Tempora
ry filling
Root
canal
filling
Bite
registrati
on paste
Tempora
rly reline
material
Surgical
dressing
1 min/30-
40 sec
Type 1-
Initial
3-6min
Final-
10 min
Type 2-
Initial-
3-6min
Final
15 min
Adheres
well to
tray
Sufficien
tly fluid to
record
fine detail
No
dimensio
nal
change in
setting
process
Hard
when set
No
separatin
g medium
required
Non
toxic
Burning
of
eugenol
Persisten
t taste
Adheres
to tissue
Rigid
material
cant be
used

2%
glutarlde
hyde
Zincoxide eugenol impression material





Non eugenol pastes-
One of the chief disadvantages of Zoe pastes is the possible
burning sensation caused by
eugenol.orthoethoxybenzoic acid (EBA) is a valuable
substitute for eugenol in this regard.


Alginate
ADA
specificat
ion
Composi
tion
Uses Mixing
time
Working
time
Setting
time
Advanta
ges
Disadvan
tages
Disinfecti
on
No 18
Type 1
(Fast)
Type 2
(Slow)
Soluble
alginates
Na,K,
Ammonia
Calcium
sulphate
dihydrate
Trisodiu
m
phosphat
e
Diatoma
ceous
earth
Potassiu
m
titanium
fluoride
Flavouri
n agent.





To
record
impressio
ns of
dental
arches
Premilin
ary
impressio
n
Duplicati
ng cast
and
models
Type 1-
45sec
Type 2-
1min
Type 1-
1.25-
2min
Type 2-
3-4.5min
Type 1-
1-2min
Type2
2-4.5min
Non
toxicand
non
irritant
Accepta
ble odor
Compati
ble with
gypsum
Elastic
Sufficien
tly fluid

Dimensi
onally
unstable
Tears if
undercut
s severe
Difficult
to
sterilize
Poor
shelf life
10 min in
sodium
hypochlo
rite
solution
10 min in
iodophor
solution
10 min in
glutarald
ehyde
solution
Alginate







Gelation reaction-

2Na3P04 + 3CaSo4----- Ca3(Po4)2+3 Na2SO4
Recent advances in alginates

Dust free alginates-
De-dusting agent (glycerin or glycol)

Siliconized alginates-
silicon polymers are added to strengthen the material

Alginates containing disinfectants-
eg quaternary ammonium salts or chlorohexamine are added to
alginate powder.

Hard and soft set alginates-
by adjusting the amount of fillers
Reversible hydrocolloid-AGAR
ADA
specificatio
n
Compositi
on
Gelation
temperatu
re
Liquefactio
n
temperatu
re
Advantage
s
Disadvanta
ges
Disinfectio
n
No 11 Agar
Sulfates
(k2so4)
Borax
Alkyl
benzoate
Water
Fillers
(silica)
Plasticizer(
glycerine)
Bactericid
e
(thymol)
colors
37 degree
celesius
To
45 degree
celesius
60 to 70
Degree
celesius
No custom
tray
required
Clean and
pleasant
Easy to
pour
Inexpensiv
e
Good shelf
life
High
accuracy
Re-usable
Requires
conditionin
g unit
Decreased
dimensiona
l stability
Weak inn
deep sulcus
Iodophor
/bleach/glut
arldehyde
Agar






Gelation-
Gelation is accomplished by circulating cold water of
approximately 18-23 degree for not less than 5 min.
Elastomeric impression materials
Classification :-
Based on viscosity-
Class 1 heavy body heavy viscosity
Class 2 regular body or medium body
Class 3 light body or low viscosity
Based on chemistry-
Polysulfides
Condensation silicones
Additional slilicones
Polythers
Visible light curable polyether

POLYSULFIDES
ADA
Specific
ation

Composition
Mixing
time
Working
time
Setting
time
Advanta
ges
Disadv
antage
s
Disinfe
ction





No 19
1,Base paste
Liquid polymer
containing
thiol,mercaptan or
polysulfide
polymer.
Filler titanium
dioxide
Plasticizer-DI-n-
butyl phthalate
Sulfur

2,Reactor paste-
Pbo2 or organic
hydroperoxides or
inorganic
hydroxides
Inert oil/plasticizer
Filler -silica
Stearic acid
45 sec-
1min
5-7min 8min No
special
equipme
nt
Superior
strength
Pouring
can be
delayed
to 1 hr
Can be
electropl
ated
Adequat
e shelf
life
Custo
m trays
require
d
Hydro
phobic
Sensiti
ve to
heat
Long
setting
time
High
shrinka
ge
High
perman
ent
deform
ation

2%
glutarld
ehyde
polysulfides






Polysulfide is one of the least stiff or highly flexible of elastomeric
material
For accurate polysulfide impressions-
The cast should be poured immediately after taking impression
Minimise the amount of material used to take impression by using
custom made acrylic trays
ADA
Specific
ation

Composition
Mixing
itime
Workin
g time
Setting
time
Advant
ages
Disadva
ntages
Disinfec
tion

No 19

2 types-

1,Doubl
e mix
type
2,Putty
type
Base paste-
Polydimethyl
siloxane/liquid
silicone polymer
Filler silica
Reactor paste-
Tetra functional
silicates
Tin compound
45 sec Upto
5 min
10 12
min
No
special
equipme
nt
required
Modera
te
strenth
in deep
sulcus
Adequa
te shelf
life
Pleasan
t odor
Custom
tray
required
Difficul
t to
electropl
ated
hydrop
hobic

2%
glutalde
hyde
Condensation silicones
(Double mix type)
Condensation silicones






It is also called room temperature vulcanising silicones(RTV)
Uses
It is widely used in recording dentulous impressions in preparation of
crowns,bridges,inlays,onlays and to some extent for partial dentures
It is also used to record edentulous impressions in preparation of
complete denture
Putty type
Advantages
No custom tray required
No special equipment required
Moderate strength in deep sulcus
Pleasant odor
Adequate shelf life
Disadvantages
Should be poured shortly after removal
Hydrophobic
Difficult to electroplate
Easily distorted


Addition silicones
(Double mix type)
ADA
Specifica
tion


Composition
Mixing
itime
Working
time
Setting
time
Advantag
es
Disadvan
tages

No 19

2 types
1,Double
mix type
2, Putty
type
Polymer polyvinyl
siloxane,vinyl
polysiloxane,vinyl
silicones
Cross linking agent-
hydride silicone
Catalyst
chloroplatinic acid

30- 45 sec
Is greater
than
silicones

10-12min
No
special
equipment
Dimensio
naly stable
Good
shelf life
Pleasant
odor
Custom
tray
Hydroph
obic
Expensiv
e
Addition silicones






Addition polysilicones are the most stable of all the existing
materials
It has an excellent recovery of 99.93%
It exhibits pseudoplastic properties.it can be used both as syringe
and tray materials
Putty type

Advantages

No custom tray
No special equipment
Good shelf life
Can be poured more than once

Disadvantages

Extremely hydrophilic
More difficult to pour
Most expensive


Polyether materials
ADA
Specificati
on

Composition
Mixing
itime
Working
time
Setting
time
Advantag
es
Disadva
ntages

No 19
Base plate tube-
Pre polymer-
ethylene amine
Inert filler-silica
Plasticiser
glycolether
Catalyst paste-
Ester derivatives
of aromatic
sulphonic acid
Plasticiszer
phthalate
Thinner-octyl
phthalate
Methyl cellulose

30-45 sec

2-3min

5-6 min
No
special
equipment
Finish line
easily read
Pleasant
odor
Can be
poured
more than
once
Hydrophil
ic
Good
shelf life
Fast
setting
Custom
tray
Very
stiff
Least
tear
strength
More
expensiv
e
Polythers





Uses-
For recording impression in preparation of crowns and
bridges
Cavity preparation for inlays and onlays
For construction of partial and complete dentures


Visible light cured polyether
ADA
Specification

Composition


Advantages
Disadvantages

No 19
Introduced in
1988
Light bodied material=syringe
Heavy body=tubes

Contains
Polyurethane dimethacrylate
resin with sio2 +plasticizer
Polymerises in light

Complete control over
W.T/S.T
Curing time relatively
short
Excellent
physical/mechanical/clini
cal properties
Need for
transparent trays
If delay in
placement
material to be
stored in dark
place
Difficult to cure
remote areas
Should not be
used in patients
allergic to
methacrylates
Light cured polyether






It has excellent elasticity
It has infinite working time and short setting time
The impression can be stored upto two weeks
Disinfection
Most manufacturers recommend a specific
disinfectant,such as iodophor,bleach,or glutaldehyde,for disinfection.
Certain disinfectants may result in gypsum casts that have a lower surface
hardness or diminished surface detail.
The current protocol for disinfecting hydrocolloid impressions recommended
by the centre for disease control is to use house hold bleach(1 to 10
dilutions),iodophor or synthetic phenols as disinfectants
An alternate disinfection method is by immersion,but this should not exceed 10
min.
Duplicating is required for two reasons:-
1, The cast on which the wax pattern of the metal frame work is to be
formed must be made from refractory investment because it must
withstand the casting temperatures required for gold or base metal
alloys
2, The original cast is needed for checking the accuracy of the metal
frame work and for processing the denture base portion of the
partial denture
The most common duplicating materials are agar hydrocolloid
compounds, The primary advantage of agar is their set is
reversible.the disadvantage is it is subject to dimensional
change.The best storage condition is 100% humidity.
Duplicating materials
Tissue conditoners are soft elastomers used to treat an
irritated mucosa supporting a denture.it is used to
provide time for healing of soft tissues
Tissue conditioners are composed of powder containing
poly(ethyl methacrylate)and a liquid containing an
aromatic ester ethyl alcohol.
The properties that make tissue conditioners effective are-
1,viscous behavior which allows adaptation to irritated
denture bearing mucosa
2,viscoelastic behavior which cushions the cyclic forces of
mastication and bruxism
Tissue conditioners
Zardiackas.L.D , Dental materials,Dentla clinics of morth
america,July 2007,vol 51,pg 629-643 .

OBrien.W.J, Dental materials and their selection, 3
rd

edition, Quintessence publications.

Craig.R.G, Dental Materials, 12th edition, Elsevier
publications.

Anusavice, Phillips Science of Dental Materials, 11
th

edition, Saunders publications. Impression materials.


References