Dr Mihai Coad

Classification of Impressions
Preliminary impressions
Taken either by the dentist or an expanded-function
dental assistant.
Used to make a reproduction of the teeth and
surrounding tissues.
Used to make (1) diagnostic models, (2) custom
trays, (3) provisional coverage, (4) orthodontic
appliances, and
(5) pretreatment and posttreatment records.

Classification of Impressions contd

Final impressions
Taken by the dentist.
Used to make the most accurate reproduction of

the teeth and surrounding tissues.

Used to make indirect restorations, partial or full
dentures, and implants.

Classification of Impressions contd

Bite registrations
Taken by the dentist or dental assistant.
Make a reproduction of the occlusal relationship

between the maxillary and mandibular teeth.

Provide an accurate registration of the patients centric
relationship between the maxillary and mandibular
arches.

Study model (cast)

Oral
Examination
Primary
Impression

Treatment Planning
duplicate model

Final
Impression
Mouth and tooth
preparation

Master model
Denture
Laboratory procedure
investment cast
refractory cast

Delivery

Definition
An impression is a negative record of the tissues of the
oral cavity which constitutes the basal seat of the denture.
An impression is made in a material which has plasticity
and which hardens or sets while in contact with the tissue.

Prof Owen Fundamentals of Removable partial dentures 2nd Ed pg. 124 -131
Wits Pros Book Vol 2 Pg. 14
Study pages 14- 31 Vol 2
www.health.wits.ac.za/Prosthodontics Primary impressions in alginate

The Ideal Impression Material

Easy to mix and handle.
Suitable working time.
Suitable setting time.
Compatible with die and stone
Not toxic or allergenic to the patient.
Dimensionally stable on setting.
Accurate to record the fine details of the prepared tooth
Has acceptable odor and taste.
Adequate strength.
Adequate shelf life.

The Ideal Impression Material

cont.
Economical
Ready to disinfected without loss of accuracy.
Fluid or plastic when inserted into the mouth.
It must be an exact record of all the aspects of the prepared tooth and

sufficient unprepared tooth structure immediately adjacent to margins,

to allow the dentist and the technician to be certain of the location and
configuration of the finish line.

Other teeth and tissue surrounding the abutment tooth must be

accurately reproduced to permit proper articulation of the cast and

contouring of the restoration.

It must be free from air bubbles especially in the finish line area.

 High accuracy

Biocompatibility

(very small contraction <0.5%)

High dimensional stability

High elastic recovery
Ease of use
Hydrophilic
and Hydrophobic
Proper setting time

Compatibility to stone
High tear strength
Long shelf life
Pleasant color &taste
Cost

Elastic recovery
The amount of rebound after a cylinder of material is
strained 10% for 30 seconds.

98%

Which one of the impression

materials we choose?
Whats the job you do?
primary impression
final impression
How accurate do you want?
removable denture
fixed prostheses
What technique do you use?

IMPRESSION MATERIALS
Key Properties

a. Accuracy = ability to replicate the intraoral surface details.

b. Dimensional Stability = ability to retain its absolute
dimensional size over time.
c. Tear Resistance = ability to resist tearing in thin sections
(such as through the feather-edged material within the
gingival sulcus.
Impression Tray
Impression

Accuracy
Dimensional
Stability
Tear
Resistance

Impression materials
Plaster
Plaster

Nonelastic
Nonelastic

Impression
Impression Compound
Compound

Zinc
Zinc oxide
oxide Eugenol
Eugenol
Impression
Impression waxes
waxes
Impression
Impression material
material
Hydrocolloids
Hydrocolloids

Elastic
Elastic
Non-aqueous
Non-aqueous
elastomers
elastomers

Agar
Agar
Reversible
Reversible
Alginate
Alginate
Irreversible
Irreversible

Polysulfides
Polysulfides
Polyethers
Polyethers
Condensation
Condensation
silicone
silicone
Addition
Addition
silicone
silicone

Nonelastic
Nonelastic
Gypsum
Gypsum (Plaster)
(Plaster)

Impression
Impression Compound
Compound

Zinc
Zinc oxide
oxide eugenol
eugenol

Impression
Impression wax
wax

Dental Plaster
Dental Plaster
Type I impression plaster
Type II model (laboratory) plaster (used for mounting casts)
plaster is composed of the form of calcium sulfate hemihydrate Crystals
plaster is weaker than dental stone due to:
1.) porosity of the particles, requiring more water for a plaster mix
2.) irregular shapes of particles prevent them from fitting together tightly
Dental Stone
Type III - dental stone
(diagnostic casts)
Type IV - high strength
dental stone (working
models)
Type V - high-strength, high-expansion dental stone
Stone is the hemihydrate form Types of Gypsum Products

Elastomeric Impression
Materials
A material that is used when an extremely
accurate impression is essential. The term
elastomeric means having elastic or rubberlike
qualities.

IMPRESSION IMPRESSIONS

PERCENT
CHANGE (%)

Dimensional Stabilty

PRODUCT EXAMPLES

Stock tray

Rim lock tray

Perforated tray

Stock tray
Special tray
(Custom tray)

Nonelastic
Nonelastic
Plaster
Plaster

Impression
Impression Compound
Compound

Zinc
Zinc oxide
oxide eugenol
eugenol

Impression
Impression wax
wax

Elastic
Elastic
Agar
Agar
Hydrocolloids
Hydrocolloids

Alginate
Alginate

Non-aqueous
Non-aqueous
elastomers
elastomers

Polysulfides
Polysulfides
Polyethers
Polyethers
Condensation
Condensation
silicone
silicone
Addition
Addition
silicone
silicone

Elastic
Elastic
Hydrocolloids
Hydrocolloids

Agar
Agar
Alginate
Alginate
Polysulfides
Polysulfides

Polyethers
Polyethers
Non-aqueous
Non-aqueous
elastomers
elastomers

Condensation
Condensation
silicone
silicone

Addition
Addition
silicone
silicone

(Ideal Properties)

High accuracy

Biocompatibility

(very small contraction <0.5%)

High dimensional stability

High elastic recovery
Ease of use
Hydrophilic
and Hydrophobic
Proper setting time

Compatibility to stone
High tear strength
Long shelf life
Pleasant color &taste
Cost

Impression plaster

Impression plaster
For

edentulous impression

Contraindication

for undercut

Mechanical properties
Very low viscosity (mucostatic)
Hydrophilic
Good dimension stability 0.06%
Great accuracy

Advantage
Accuracy to soft tissue

impression
Good accuracy
Short setting time

Disadvantage
Can not be used in undercut

ridge
Able to flow to pharynges
Heat due to reaction
Sensation of dryness