Elastic impression material

2. Elastomeric impression material

In addition to hydrocolloids there is another group of elastic impression
materials. They are soft and rubber like and are known as elastomers or non
aqueous impression material. Elastomers are flexible cross-linked polymers
when set. They are synthetic polymers which can be converted to solid rubber
at room temperature by mixing with a suitable catalyst. They undergo
polymerization and /or cross linking (by condensation or addition) reaction to
produce firm elastic solid.

Types of elastomers (According to the chemistry):

1. Polysulfide.
2. Condensation polymerizing silicones.
3. Addition polymerizing silicones.
4. Polyether.
5. Hybrid impression (combination of silicon and polyether).

 Presentation:
Regardless of type all elastomeric impression materials are supplied as two
paste systems (base and catalyst) in collapsible tubes. While the Putty
consistency is supply in jars.

Each type may be further divided into five viscosity: In increasing order
of filler content

 Extra low or very low bodied.

 Low or light bodied (Also referred to as syringe type, or wash type. This
material is used because of its ability to flow in and about the details of the
prepared tooth. A special syringe is used to place the light-bodied material
immediately around the prepared teeth.
 Medium or regular bodied (used with special tray).
 Heavy bodied or tray consistency (Often referred to as tray-type materials,
they are much thicker. they are used to fill the special tray. Their thickness
helps to force the light-bodied material into close contact with the
prepared teeth and surrounding tissues to ensure a more accurate.
 Very heavy or putty consistency.

Extra-low and very heavy (putty) forms are available only for condensation
and addition silicones. There is no heavy-body product for condensation
silicone.

The light bodied and the very light bodied classes are used as a syringe
material in combination with a tray material or with putty type, and the
regular material is used alone with special tray. While the putty consistency
used with stock tray either use alone as primary impression or use with light
body or with very light body as final impression. Tray adhesive is needed for
adherence of the impression material to the tray.

 Uses: generally used in all cases

1. Crown and bridge impressions.
2. Partial and complete denture impressions.
3. Implant.
 Polysulfide impression material:
This was the first elastomeric impression material to be introduced. It is also
known as Mercaptan or Thiokol.

 Presentation: paste in collapsed tubes as base and accelerator or

catalyst. Base is white colored; accelerator is brown or gray.
Available in three viscosities (by controlling the filler in its composition). Light
bodied, medium bodied, heavy bodied.

 Composition:
Base:
1. Liquid polysulfide polymer with terminal and pendant thiol (-SH) groups
(this is further polymerized and cross linked to form rubber).
2. Inert filler (silica or titanium dioxide); (to give body, control viscosity and
modify physical properties.
Catalyst:
1. Lead dioxide (react with thiol groups causing setting).
2. Dibutyl phthalate (plasticizer).
3. Sulfur (to enhance reaction).
4. Magnesium stearate (retarded and deodorants).

 Setting reaction
Equal length of base paste and acceleration paste are mixed, it undergoes a
chemical reaction. The liquid polymer sets to form solid but highly elastic and
flexible rubber like material.
The lead dioxide reacts with the polysulfide polymer causing
 Chain lengthening by oxidation of terminal –SH groups
 Cross linking by oxidation of pendant –SH groups.
The reaction is exothermic 3-4 c rise in temperature. The reaction is sensitive to
heat and moisture increase in either one will accelerate the setting reaction.

Mercaptan + lead dioxide polysulfide +water (by product)

  Properties:
1. Unpleasant odor and color. It stains the clothes and it is messy to work
with it.
2. It has long setting time about 12.5 min (discomfort to the patients).
3. Excellent reproduction of detail.
4. Dimensional stability; the curing shrinkage is high and highest
permanent deformation among the elastomers. this improve with time
so pouring of the model should be delay by half an hour, further delay
is avoided to minimize curing shrinkage, loss of the by product (water)
is also causing shrinkage.
5. It has high tear strength and Low hardness.
6. It has good flexibility.
7. It is hydrophobic, so the mouth should be dried before making an
impression. Care should also be taken while pouring the stone to avoid
air pockets.
8. The shelf life is good 2 years.
9. Inexpensive to use.
10. Requires a special tray (2 mm spacer).
11. The tray is painted with adhesive before putting the impression.
12. These materials are extremely viscous and sticky, mixing is difficult,
however they exhibit pseudoplasticity (if sufficient speed and force is
used for mixing the material will seem easier to handle).
13. The reaction yields water as a by-product. Loss of this small molecule
from the set material has a significant effect on the dimensional
stability of the impression so we should pour the impression with
gypsum product not more than 30 min.

 Manipulation:
Equal length of base paste and acceleration paste are mixed on the paper pad
by using stiff bladed spatula, the mixing is continued until the mix is free from
steaks and uniform in color.
A special tray (with 2mm spaced) are used and the inside of the tray is painted
with a layer of adhesive and allow to dry before put the impression material in
the tray (otherwise the polysulfide impression may separate from the tray
during removal from the mouth). Sometimes holes are drilled through the tray
to provide mechanical retention of the impression material. When the material
has set it remove with a steady force (a snap removal not necessary because it
have high tear strength). We pour the impression with gypsum product After 30
minutes after removal from the patient mouth. No separating medium is
needed before pouring the gypsum products.

Silicone impression materials

Two types of silicon impression materials based on the type of polymerization
reaction occurring during its setting.
1. Condensation silicon impression materials.
2. Addition silicone impression materials.

Condensation silicon impression materials

It was the earlier of the two silicone impression materials, available in four
viscosities. (Very low, light bodied, medium bodied and putty).

 Presentation: The materials are supplied as

- base paste and a low-viscosity liquid catalyst.
- base putty and a low-viscosity liquid catalyst.
- base putty and paste catalyst.
- two-paste system. (Not equal in size)
- two-putty system.
  Composition:
Base:
1. polydimethyl siloxane (hydroxyl-terminated).
2. Inert filler colloidal silica or metal oxide filler.
3. Color pigments.
Accelerator:
1. Orthoethyl silicate (cross linking agent)
2. Stannous octoate as a catalyst.

 Setting reaction:
It is condensation reaction, polymerization occurs as a result of cross linkable
between the orthoethyl silicate and the terminal hydroxyl group of dimethyl
siloxane to form a three-dimensional network. The reaction is exothermic (1 C)
rise. Ethyl alcohol formed as by product evaporates gradually form the set
rubber leading to shrinkage.
Dimethyl siloxane + orthoethyl silicate stannous octoate silicone rubber +
ethyl alcohol

 Properties:
1. Pleasant color and odor.
2. Direct skin contact should be avoided to prevent any allergic reaction.
3. Setting time is (6-9) min. (shorter than polysulfide).
4. Excellent reproduction of surface details.
5. Dimensional stability is comparatively less because of high curing
shrinkage (0.4-0.6) % and shrinkage due to evaporation of ethyl alcohol by
product. To avoid this cast should be poured immediately.
 6. Tear strength is lower than the polysulfide.
7. Elasticity develops earlier than polysulfide.
8. It is stiffer and harder than the polysulfide. The hardness increase with
time. The spacing in the tray is increased to 3mm to compensate for the
stiffness.
9. It is hydrophobic. The impression field should be dried well before making
an impression. Care should also be taken while pouring the stone to avoid
air pockets.
10. Shelf life is slightly less than polysulfide due to the unstable nature of the
ortho -ethyl silicates.
11. Slightly more expensive than polysulfide.
12. Need to paint the tray with adhesive.
13. The putty consistency mostly widely used with stock offering an advantage
over the polysulfide which are used with special tray only.
14. The viscosity is less than the polysulfide (they are easier to mix)

Addition silicone impression materials.

They have better properties than condensation silicone and the polysulfide.
This material is often called a polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) or vinyl polysiloxane
(VPS) impression material. Addition silicone is available in extra low, low,
medium, heavy, and very heavy (putty) consistencies.

 Presentation: The materials are supplied as

- Two-paste system: The base and catalyst pastes come in equal size tube
(unlike condensation silicones).
- two- putty system (jars): Two equal size jars, one containing the base and
the other the catalyst.

 Composition:
Base:
1. Poly methyl hydrogen siloxane.
2. Other siloxane pre polymers.
3. Fillers.
Accelerator:
1. Divinyl polysiloxane.
2. Other siloxane prepolymers.
3. Platinum salt (chloroplatinic acid), catalyst.
4. Palladium or hydrogen absorber.
5. Retarders.
6. Fillers.

 Setting reaction:
It is addition reaction. Base polymer is terminated with vinyl group and is
cross linked with silane (hydride group). The reaction is activated by the
platinum salt (chloroplatinic acid). There are no by products.
Sulfur compounds retard the setting of silicones. One source of sulfur
contamination is from latex gloves worn by the operator when mixing the
impression (the vinyl gloves should be used).
Vinyl siloxane + silane siloxane chloroplatinic acid silicon rubber

 Properties:
1. Pleasant odor and color.
2. Direct skin contact should be avoided because of the allergic reaction.
3. Excellent reproduction of surface details.
4. Setting time is (5-9) min.
5. It has the best dimensional stability among the elastomers even after 1
week (dimensional stability), it has low curing shrinkage 0.17% and the
lowest permanent deformation (0.05-0.3).
6. It has good tear strength.
7. It is hydrophobic. Care should be taken while making the impression and
pouring the wet stone, some manufacture adds a surfactant to make it
more hydrophilic.
8. It has low flexible and harder than polysulfide. Extra spacing 3mm. should
be provided in the impression tray. Care should be taken while removing
the stone cast from the impression to avoid any breakage.
9. Shelf life range from 1 to 2 years.
10. More expensive.
11. Need to paint the tray with adhesive.
 Polyether impression material
It has good mechanical properties and dimensional stability. Its disadvantages
were that the working time was short and the material was very stiff. It is also
expensive and bitter in taste. Polyether remain popular among a large number
of clinicians mainly because of their hydrophilic nature. The water-loving
elastomeric material provides superior wettability and adherence to
preparations, resulting in good surface detail. Their use is ideal in situations
where it is difficult to maintain a dry environment.

 Presentation:
Available as base and accelerator in collapsible tubes (the accelerator tube is
usually smaller). A third tube containing a thinner was provided. It is available in
three viscosities (light bodied, medium bodied and heavy bodied).

 Composition:
Base:
1. Polyether polymer.
2. Colloidal silica (filler).
3. Glycol ether or phthalate (plasticizer).

Accelerator:
1. Aromatic sulfonate (cross linking agent).
2. Colloidal silica (filler).
3. Phthalate or glycol ether (plasticizer).
  Setting reaction:
Polyether+ sulfonic ester cross linked rubber
The reaction is exothermic (4 to 5 C) rise.

 Properties:
1. Pleasant color and odor.
2. Bitter in taste.
3. Direct skin contact should be avoided (the sulfonic ester may cause skin
reaction).
4. Setting time is (3-5) min. heat decrease the setting time.
5. Excellent reproduction of surface details.
6. Dimensional stability is very good. Curing shrinkage (0.24) % and
permanent deformation is low. Polyether absorbed water and can change
dimension (should not be stored in water or in humid climates).
7. Tear strength is good.
8. It is extremely stiff and its hardness is higher than the polysulfide and
increase with time. Removing it from undercuts is difficult. So extra
spacing (4 mm) should be given. Care should be also taken while removing
the cast from the impression to avoid any breakage.
9. It is hydrophilic. So moisture in the impression field is not critical. It has the
best compatibility with stone.
10. Shelf life is excellent (more than 2 years).
11. Tray adhesive used before putting the impression in the tray.
12. Expensive.

hybrid impression (combination of addition silicon and polyether):

The vinyl polyether silicon impression material (VPES) represents the next
generation of impression material. It combined the benefits of polyether and
the vinyl poly siloxane impression materials. It is available in two setting time
(fast and regular) and in 4 viscosities (light body, medium body, heavy body
and putty).
 properties
1. Pleasant tasting (mint taste).
2. Excellent tear strength
3. Adequate Bond of impression material to tray.
4. Hydrophilic. Record the finer details of the tooth surface, even in a
moist environment.
5. Superior elasticity – elasticity without distortion allows for easy removal
6. Multiple pours (allows for multiple pours due to the toughness and
elasticity of material)
7. Excellent dimensional accuracy.
8. Exceptional reproduction of detail.
9. Resistance to deformation (great recovery from deformation).
10. Excellent flow.
11. Compatible with any disinfection procedure
12. Little time in mouth. Fast setting time.

 Technical consideration (for rubber impression material):

1. The regular body and heavy body are usually made in special tray.
Perforated stock trays are used only for making impression in putty.
2. The spacing given is special tray between (2-4) mm.
3. Elastomers do not adhere well to the tray. An adhesive should be applied
onto the tray and allow to dry before making impression except the hybrid
type don’t need adhesive.
 4. The bulk of the impression should be made with heavier consistency (to
reduce shrinkage). Light bodied should only be used in a thin layer as a
wash impression over the putty or heavy body.
5. The putty type and the heavy bodied rarely could be used alone as primary
impression without light body or used with light body or very light body as
final impression.

 Methods of making impression:

1. Single mix technique: Tray used (resin special tray with 2 to 4 mm spacing).
Viscosity used (regular only).
2. Multiple mix technique: Tray used (resin special tray with 2 to 4 mm
spacing). Viscosity used (heavy bodied and light bodied).
3. Two stage putty wash technique: Tray used (perforated stock tray). Viscosity
used (putty and light bodied).

 Manipulation of elastomer impression materials

The user should dispense the correct lengths of materials onto a mixing pad or
glass slab. The catalyst paste is first collected by a stainless steel spatula and
then spread over the base paste. The mixture is then spread over the mixing
pad. The mixing process is continued until the mixed paste is uniform in color,
with no streaks of the base or catalyst appearing in the mixture. If one of the
components is in liquid form, such as the catalyst for condensation silicones, a
length of the base is dispensed from the tube onto a graduated mixing pad and
drops of the liquid catalyst corresponding to the length of the base are added.
The two-putty systems that available for condensation and addition silicone
dispensed by volume using an equal number of scoops of each material. The
best mixing technique is to knead the material with fingers until a uniform color
is obtained.
 Each type of the impression is put in the tray and then inserted in the patient
mouth. The impression should not be removed from the patient mouth until the
curing has progressed sufficiently to provide adequate elasticity, so that
distortion will not occur. Typically, the impression should be ready for removal
within at least 10 minutes from the time of mixing. Manufacturers usually
provide the optimal time for removal after mixing. Finally we pour the
impression according to the type of the material (either immediately or waiting
for a period). No separating medium is needed before pouring the gypsum
products. All the type of elastomeric impression material need tray adhesive
except the hybrid impression material.

Properties poly sulfide condensation silicon addition silicon polyether

 Setting time moderate- long short-moderate short-moderate short

 Shrinkage on setting high moderate-high very low low
 Elastic recovery after removal moderate high very high high
 Flexibility during removal high moderate low-moderate low-moderate
 Tear strength moderate-high low- moderate low- moderate moderate
 Wettability by gypsum mixed moderate poor good-very good very good
 Detail reproduction excellent excellent excellent excellent

 DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS
Several digital impression systems are currently on the market that allows the
dentist to make a digital impression in place of a traditional impression. Digital
impressions offer a precise fit with fewer incidents of remakes and shorter
adjustment time.

CAD/CAM, the abbreviation for computer-aided design/computer-aided

manufacturing, describes a process in which digital images or models of objects
are created and used for the design and fabrication of final products.
Dental CAD/CAM systems consist of three components:

1. A scanner or digitizing instrument.

2. Software that processes the scanned data and creates images of the digitized
object.

3. Fabrication technology that transforms the digital data of the restoration into
a physical product.

Scanners use either a series of static images or a stream of video images to

capture the geometry of the tooth preparation and oral tissue.