Alginate is an elastic, irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. Irreversible hydrocolloid impressions form an inseparable part of indirect restorations. Alginate is one of the most frequently used dental materials; and alginate impression is a simple, cost-effective, and indispensable part of dental practice. Yet very few people can make alginate impressions just right the first time. For many years, alginate impression material has been a staple of most dental practices. They form a major bulk of our clinical practice even today; therefore, it becomes mandatory to understand the material and follow certain fundamental guidelines for flawless, predictable impressions and hence avoid repeat impression/restorations. The purpose of this article is to provide clinical do's and don'ts while using alginate material for impressions.
Irreversible hydrocolloid can be used in preliminary impressions, provisional crown-and-bridge impressions, study models, opposing dentition impressions. Alginates are used for impressions in orthodontic models, sports mouth guards, and bleaching trays; and more.[1] A study has shown that alginate impressions can be used as final impressions for indirect restorations when the preparation margins are chamfer.[2]