Putty as dental impression material
Silicone based dental putty as an impression material
Making dental impressions is a major part of dentistry. Therefore, there are different materials developed for the purpose suitable for the process of making crowns, bridges, braces and prosthesis. The most common dental molds and cast materials cure irreversibly, meaning that once they are in solid phase, they cannot be taken back to the liquid putty form.
In this article we focus on the dental silicone putty impression material types, as they are by far the most common dental impression materials.
The 2 types of dental silicone putty impression material
As impressions are made in different ways and for various purposes, there are two main types of dental putty and wax that can be used as impression putty. The types are classified by the way they cure: condensation cure and addition cure silicone dental putty impression material. Both of these silicone impression matterials cure irreversibly. Note that these putty material types are not compatible with each other.
1. Condensation cure silicone impression putty
Condensation cure silicone dental impression putty cures using tin salts as catalyst. This dental impression material is the most economical and easiest to use option and often chosen for when elevated temperatures are not involved. Condensation cure silicone shrinks slightly when curing.
This dental impressions material capture the tiniest details of the surface and are often biodegradable making them environmentally friendly.
2. Addition cure dental putty
The addition cure silicone putties are platinum catalyzed and they result in rubber like, more durable molds and casts as condensation silicones. They are also less sensitive to heat. These dental impression materials require careful mixing and application procedures. Due to the use of platinum as an ingredient and the longer processing times, addition cure silicone tends to be more expensive than condensation cure dental impression putty.
The most common type of addition cure putties is polyvinyl siloxane impression materials. These form durable and flexible dental molds and casts which resemble almost exactly the size before curing.
Would you like to know more about dental impression materials? Do not hesitate to contact us for assistance in finding the system you need.
What to consider when choosing the right dental putty
When choosing a dental impression material, it is of high importance to consider the application and manipulation phase, the patient (if applicable) and the purpose of the manipulated dental putty. Therefore, there is a list of factors to look at before the choice can be made.
- Viscosity
- Mixing time
- Working time
- Time in mouth
- Setting time
- Deformation under pressure
- Elastic recovery
- Total hardness
In need of a dental putty?
In case you are looking for a suitable dental impression putty, let us know. Our experts are happy to advise you making the right choice for your application, keeping in mind the patient, process and end result.
