Impression Materials
Typical elastomer impression materials are being challenged for accuracy by digital impressions (to be discussed later), but conventional impressions are still by far the most popular procedure. Vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) has the majority of the US market, while polyether is still used by many practitioners. Two of the most popular and well-proven premium brands of VPS material are Aquasil Ultra Monophase (DENTSPLY Caulk) and Imprint 3 VPS (3M ESPE). Impregum (3M ESPE) dominates the polyether market. Either type of material (used properly) provides extremely accurate impressions. For those practitioners who have significant financial constraints, lower cost, proven brands are available from example companies such as Parkell, Pentron Clinical, and others.
Elastomer impression materials may have reached their optimum potential. Most elastomer materials used with excellent techniques can result in impressions that are not only accurate, but are also easily used by dental laboratory technicians. In contrast, digital intraoral scanning technology is just beginning to realize its potential. Continued improvement in digital scanning equipment and manufacturer investment in this technology will probably produce impressions that surpass the desirability of conventional elastomer materials. However, because of the high cost of digital devices for impressions, many years will probably be required before the majority of dentists to change to digital impressions.
Some practitioners do not realize the relatively high cost of elastomer impressions, which can cost $30 to $40 for a full-arch impression in a stock tray. The cumulative impression material and accessory cost of conventional impression techniques compared to the initial and ongoing cost of digital impression devices will be important as dentists determine their predicted return on investment for digital devices for impressions.
