Dental putty is an effective material to create exact replicas of parts to be replaced in the oral cavity. It is a malleable and moldable material. When dental putty hardens, it becomes a rubber-like material. This dental impression putty reproduces exact impressions of teeth and gum. It creates a precise, detailed reproduction of the teeth and gums.
Components and Types of Dental Putty
Putty for dental impressions consists of two components: a base and a catalyst. The base of the putty provides structure to the impression. The catalyst is the activator that, when mixed with the base, triggers the chemical reaction for setting of the putty. For different base materials, different catalysts are used. Let us look at the different types of dental putty used for impressions:
Silicone-Based Dental Putty
1) Addition Silicone (Polyvinyl Siloxane -PVS)
- They provide high accuracy and have a long shelf life.
- They are highly biocompatible.
- They can be poured multiple times.
- They are dimensionally stable, meaning they don’t change shape once hardened.
- They have high tear strength and elasticity.
2) Condensation Silicone
- They are cost-effective dental putties.
- They have short working times and good elasticity.
- They have moderate tear strength and are likely to shrink.
- They release alcohol by-products.
- They are less dimensionally stable than PVS.
Alginate-Based Dental Putty
- They are fast-setting dental putties.
- They are biocompatible.
- They are affordable and easy to use.
- They are not as precise as silicone-based dental impression putty.
Working of Dental Putty
Now that we know the materials used in dental putty for impressions, let’s dive deeper into how it works. As mentioned earlier, dental putty consists of a base and catalyst. In addition-silicone putty, when these components (often come in different colors) are combined uniformly, a chemical reaction is initiated.
This reaction occurs slowly initially, allowing more working time for placement. Eventually, during the cross-linking stage, the putty material thickens and shrinks slightly to produce a fine and precise reproduction of the teeth.
When the putty hardens, an elastic, rubber-like structure is formed which is dimensionally stable. This can be used to create dental restorations. The working and setting time of putty depends on its chemical composition and environmental factors.
Applications of Dental Putty
Now that we know how dental putty works, let’s see its daily life applications in dentistry. Here is a quick overview of where dental putty is used:
- Creating dental impressions and molds for teeth and gums. These molds are used for making dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, dentures, etc.
- Creating temporary restorations before placing permanent restorations.
- Recording bite alignment of patients to ensure proper occlusion.
- Checking for any gum issues or structural abnormalities.
- Cosmetic dentistry such as creating whitening trays and veneers.
- Creating protective dental devices, such as mouthguards and nightguards, to safeguard teeth from damage.
How to choose the right Dental Putty?
These applications can be achieved with precision only when the right dental putty is used. Here’s a list of the key factors to consider while choosing the right dental putty:
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Dimensional Stability- The putty material should not expand or shrink after stiffening. It should retain its shape for accurate dental impressions. PVS putties are the most stable.
- Tear Strength and flexibility- Tear strength is the material’s ability to resist tearing while stretched. This property plays a crucial role in the time of removal of the dental tray. The tear strength of the dental putty should be high so that the fine details on the impressions remain intact. Good elasticity allows easy removal without distortion.
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Working time and setting time- To avoid hassle while dealing with dental putty, it is essential to go for a long working time and a short setting time. The long working time provides sufficient time to work with putty during placement, and the short setting time increases the patient’s comfort and accuracy.
- Hydrophilicity- The mouth is naturally wet, so hydrophilic dental putties work better. The hydrophilicity of the putty material minimizes voids and bubbles, increases the accuracy of the impressions, and works well with disinfectants.
- Biocompatibility- The level of biocompatibility of putty depends on the type of material used. PVS and alginate-based putties are highly biocompatible and safe for oral use.
- Compatibility with other materials- Dental putty should work well with light-body wash material to ensure a successful wash technique.
Hospitrade’s Dental Putty for Impressions - Silicone Impression Material (High Precision & Flexibility)
Looking for an addition-silicone dental putty for impressions? Hospitrade brings you high-quality ZOGEAR Silicone Dental Putty for Impressions, which contains both putty and light body silicone. This kit is a perfect choice for dental professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The high-quality silicone putty material provides an intact detail reproduction, and the light body silicone captures the fine details by flowing into the intricate spaces.
The kit is suitable for the 1-step or 2-step putty/wash technique. The key features of Zogear’s addition-silicone dental putty are its remarkable tear strength and elasticity, exceptional dimensional stability, and consistency for precise and perfect impressions every time.
How to use Zogear’s Silicone Dental Putty?
Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional dentist, here is a complete guide on how to use Zogear’s silicone dental putty:
- Mix the putty properly and place it in the dental tray.
- Insert the dental tray into the mouth.
- Immediately inject the light body silicone material around the dental area.
- The shape of the dental arch is recorded as the putty hardens.
- The impression is removed, and a highly detailed mold is obtained.
Note: For the best results, ensure the oral cavity is dry before application.
Ready to achieve precision in dental accuracy? Try Hospitrade’s silicone dental putty today!