IMPRESSION MATERIALS:
Impression materials are used to record the shape of the teeth and alveolar ridges. 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 rigid (non-elastic) according to the
ability of the set material to be withdrawn over undercuts.
Impression materials, required properties:
Non toxic ;
Accurate ;
Easy to handle;
Easy to manipulate ;
Consistency ;
Setting time ;
Elasticity ;
Dimensionstability;
Wettability ;
Thixotropic;
Economy ;
Disinfection ;
Flavour;
Elastic impression materials were developed from synthetic rubber by S.L. Pearson at the
University of Liverpool in 1955. The introduction of rubber-based, polysulfide impression
materials was followed by silicone-based materials, both of which are still in use. Following
these, elastic polyether impression materials were introduced, followed in recent times by
polyvinylsiloxane impression materials.
Condensation silicone was the first type of silicone impression material. Also known as
conventional silicones. Setting occurs at room temperature, and so are also called RTV
silicones.
COMPOSITION Supplied as two paste system:
• Base paste: Hydroxyterminated polysiloxane polymer • Filler (cristobalite, talc, starch)
• Catalyst: Liquid catalyst: • Cross-linking agent (e.g tetraethoxy silane) + • Activator
(dibutyl-tin dilaurate) –
• Paste catalyst: Cross-linking agent, activator, inert oil
There are several types of silicone materials that we use in dentistry every day.
These are:
A-Silicones Vinyl polysiloxane elastomeric silicone impression materials (VPS)
Bite Registration Vinyl polysiloxane material for bite registrations
Alginate Substitute Vinyl polysiloxane material for alginate applications
C-Silicones Polysiloxane elastomeric silicone impression materials
Laboratory Silicone impression materials especially for laboratory use
Scannable Silicones VPS Impression material scannable with CAD/CAM
technology
MIXPAC T-Mixer Disposable mixers for cartridges
The instability of condensation-type silicone materials is attributed to the production of an
alcohol byproduct during polymerization. A two-step putty/wash technique was developed
in which the use of a thin layer of wash material minimizes the amount of alcohol byproduct
and thereby retains the dimensional stability within acceptable limits.
• To further overcome some of the problem associated with condensation silicones, another
silicone material was introduced that polymerizes by an addition reaction in which no
byproduct is produced.
• The proposed definition of the working time of an elastomeric impression material
suggested by ISO (1988) is "the period of time between the start of mixing and the
commencement of the development of elasticity and the loss of plasticity". This would seem
to be a very sensible definition, but most techniques used for the evaluation of working time
simply monitor a change in viscosity or rigidity.
So usually the silicone material contains 3 components. It is very important to use them in
the correct doze. The terms of using is written on the special note paper added in each box of
the material.
The silicone material is the most used material in the prosthodontics worldwide. It has
several benefits:
The impression never changes the shape;
It is possible to keep and reuse the impression after a long period of time/ Exceptional
dimensional stability;
We can make several models (in lab) from the same impression;
It is easy to use material;
It is non allergic;
It is easy both to place in and out the oral cavity;
It has pleasant smell and taste;
It is almost impossible to swallow it/ Excellent consistency;
Ideal working time/setting time ratio;
Excellent elastic properties (high elastic memory);
Remarkable tear strength;
Non sticky;
But also it has the downsides:
This material is expansive;
