How to Eliminate Variables in Impression Taking

For dentists, an accurate impression of the teeth is important for a variety of task, such as for building crowns and bridgework. However, when an impression is inaccurate -- when variables are present, for instance -- everything that comes further down the line that is based on the impression will be similarly "off." Such inaccuracy can result in crowns or bridges that do not fit properly. That's why it is important for dentists and their assistants to get an impression right the first time. Entirely eliminating variables may not be possible, but by following a few guidelines, you can greatly reduce the likelihood that they'll occur.

Things You'll Need

• Polyvinylsiloxanes
• Metal impression tray
• Vinyl gloves

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Instructions

• 1

  Use an appropriate material for the impression itself. While there are several different materials available, the majority of impressions are taken using polyvinylsiloxanes, also known as PVS or the "addition silicones."

• 2

  Make sure that you are using polyvinylsiloxanes with a grafted surfactant included in their chemistry, which improves stability of the polyvinylsiloxanes when setting and increases dimensional stability overall.

• 3

  Consider using a dual-arch, all-in-one impression, rather than a separate bite registration and opposing impression. This approach gives results just as accurate and free of variables as the separated approach, as long as you use a metal tray instead of a plastic tray, for the added rigidity, and use an impression material that is highly viscous but also rigid when set.

• 4

  Use vinyl or nitrile gloves, rather than latex gloves, when working with impression material. Some of the compounds used in the vulcanization of latex gloves interfere with the polymerization of polyvinylsiloxanes. Even if you were previously wearing latex gloves and are then handling impression material with your hands, you should wash your hands before you touch the impression material, as residue from the latex gloves may still be on your hands.