Purpose?
Transfer surfaces for planning and manufacture.
← All explanationsDental impression material
What is the soft material used for a dental impression?
Impression material records tooth and tissue surfaces as a negative mould. A model can then be made for planning or manufacture. Material choice depends on the task: an overview model has different requirements from accurately recording a crown margin.
For training & practice ↓
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Record the shape
The material is held in a suitable tray against the required surfaces. It records contours, not the inside of teeth or bone.
Select the material
Examples include alginates and elastomers such as silicones or polyethers. Their handling and dimensional stability differ.
Check the impression
Voids, distortion or incomplete margins can affect subsequent work. The impression may need repeating.
Read the full explanation
Record the shape
The material is held in a suitable tray against the required surfaces. It records contours, not the inside of teeth or bone.
Select the material
Examples include alginates and elastomers such as silicones or polyethers. Their handling and dimensional stability differ.
Check the impression
Voids, distortion or incomplete margins can affect subsequent work. The impression may need repeating.
Notes on the teaching images
- An impression records a negative shape from which a model can be made. This is a simplified laboratory illustration.
- Material groups differ in properties and use. Colour alone does not identify a specific impression material.
- Completeness, clear margins and defects are assessed. A neat appearance alone does not prove sufficient accuracy.
At a glance
Which material?
Depends on the task.
What to mention?
Gagging and known intolerances.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Impression or model?
An impression is a negative mould. The resulting model reproduces the surfaces in a positive form.
Quick answers
Is a digital scan always better?
Not universally. Scans and conventional impressions capture surfaces differently. Suitability depends on the task, access and tissue conditions.
What can I do about gagging?
Mention it beforehand. Positioning, tray choice and the approach can be discussed. A scan is not equally suitable for every task.
Why is an impression sometimes repeated?
To capture the necessary structures adequately. Repeating it can be a quality-control step and does not automatically require altering the tooth.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
What information does my restoration require from an impression or scan?
Unsure why an impression is planned? Its purpose and possible methods can be explained beforehand.
Discuss treatment stepsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Alginate
- An elastic hydrocolloid impression material.
- Elastomer
- An elastic material such as impression silicone.
- Impression tray
- A carrier that supports the material in the mouth.
Make the distinction
An impression is a negative mould. The resulting model reproduces the surfaces in a positive form.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.