What is the function of impression materials?
To produce an accurate replica of the surface and shape of hard and soft oral tissues
What is an impression?
A negative replica of the hard and soft tissues
What is another name for dental stone?
Gypsum
Dental stone is used to fill an impression and produce a positive replica. What does this represent?
The patients mouth:
What is a positive replica used for? (2 points)
What can you take an impression of? (3 points)
Treatment outcome hinges on the quality and accuracy of the initial impression. What does this require? (2 points)
- Clinician with a good technique
What can IM be classified into in relation to clinical properties? (2 points)
- Mucocompressive
What can IM be classified into in relation to properties? (2 points)
- Non-elastic
What is meant by the term ‘mucostatic’?
What are 2 examples of mucostatic IM’s?
- Low viscosity alginates
What are 2 examples of mucocompressive IM’s?
- High viscosity alginates/elastonomers
What is a mucocompressive IM?
What is the ideal elastic behaviour of an IM?
Once the impression material has undergone strain it should snap back to its original shape after the strain has been removed
None of the IM’s are truly elastic so they are not a true representation of the patients dentition. What are two way we can minimise the permanent strain?
What are 2 examples of hydrocolloids?
- Alginate (irreversible)
What are 3 examples of elastomers?
Are impression materials perfectly elastic?
What are the 2 possible outcomes for impression materials that are non-elastic?
- Fractured
What is the correct process for ‘preparation’ of impression materials? (4 points)
Do some impression materials require a lining?
What are the possible setting reactions of IM’s? (3 points)
(forms solid replica)
What is included in the impression taking process?
One ideal property of an IM is accuracy. How does the flow of an IM affect this?
- Needs to flow over the dentition so it can make intimate contact with the surface to record surface detail