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Choosing the Right

Impression Material
A Peer-Reviewed Publication
Written by Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA, CDD

Abstract Educational Objectives Author Profile

Accurate impressions are a key component of After reading this article, the reader should Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA is a National and International
successful restorations. They play a vital role in be able to: Speaker and published author. Shannon is past faculty
restorative dentistry and should provide accurate 1. Explain why accurate impressions are member at the Dawson Academy and Spear Education. She is
intraoral details and dimensional stability. necessary an active member of the AACD. She is the first auxiliary to sit
Understanding the various types of materials 2. Discuss the different types of impression on the AACD Board of Directors and was awarded the Rising
available, the different techniques and the best materials available today Star Award. Shannon was selected one of Dentistry Today’s Top
ways to keep patients comfortable will help 3. Identify the ideal impression material 100 Clinicians of 2009 to 2014. She was also selected as Dental
dental professionals select the best material for for different indications Products Report 25 most influential women in dentistry and
each case. 4. Identify impression material Dr. Bicuspid’s Dental Assistant Educator of the year for 2012.
characteristics that help keep patients
comfortable and reduce their anxiety

INSTANT EXAM CODE 15244

Go Green, Go Online to take your course
Publication date: Jan. 2018 Supplement to PennWell Publications
Expiration date: Feb. 2021
This educational activity was developed by PennWell’s Dental Group with commercial support provided by Kerr Dental.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists and assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational Methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider Disclosure: PennWell does not have a leadership position or a commercial interest in any products or services
discussed or shared in this educational activity nor with the commercial supporter. No manufacturer or third party has had
any input into the development of course content.
Requirements for Successful Completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity you must pay the required
fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation and obtain a score of at least 70%.
CE Planner Disclosure: Heather Hodges, CE Coordinator does not have a leadership or commercial interest with products
PennWell designates this activity for 3 continuing educational credits. or services discussed in this educational activity. Heather can be reached at [email protected]
Educational Disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result
Dental Board of California: Provider 4527, course registration number CA# 03-4527-15244 in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses
“This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 3 units of continuing education.” and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image Authenticity Statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
The PennWell Corporation is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Scientific Integrity Statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents
Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing dental education programs of this the most current information available from evidence based dentistry.
program provider are accepted by the AGD for Fellowship, Mastership and membership Known Benefits and Limitations of the Data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the
maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of
data and information contained in reference section. The research data is extensive and provides direct benefit to the patient
and improvements in oral health.
dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from (11/1/2015) to Registration: The cost of this CE course is $59.00 for 3 CE credits.
(10/31/2019) Provider ID# 320452. Cancellation/Refund Policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by
contacting PennWell in writing.
Educational Objectives The introduction of agar and alginate, both hydrocolloid
After reading this article, the reader should be able to: materials, offered clinicians the better accuracy they craved, but
1. Explain why accurate impressions are necessary with lower tear-resistance and decreased dimensional stability
2. Discuss the different types of impression materials available over time.4,5 Alginate is attractive to clinicians today because
today of its economical cost and quick set time, but it still has low
3. Identify the ideal impression material for different indications tear strength, is technique sensitive and messy, must be poured
4. Identify impression material characteristics that help keep up immediately to avoid distortion, and has a taste patients
patients comfortable and reduce their anxiety typically don’t like. Thankfully, improved alginate impression
As dental health care professionals, we know how vital it is to materials with better properties are enabling dental practices
obtain accurate impressions. Impressions provide the founda- to capture more accurate and predictable impressions (e.g.,
tion for successful clinical outcomes, helping to ensure patients Kromafaze with its color change ability that offers a visual guide
receive comfortable, functional and beautiful restorations that for consistent impression making).
last for years to come. Polysulfide rubber based impression materials were next in
There are a variety of impression materials on the market line, offering better accuracy and tear-resistance yet only minor
today, making it a challenge to select the right products and improvements in dimensional stability. Beyond that, the mate-
techniques for every situation. The overwhelming number of rial was difficult to mix and didn’t exactly have a pleasant smell.4
options can lead to confusion and inconsistency, which keeps Polyethers came on the scene in the 1960s and condensation
dentists from achieving successful outcomes. and addition-reaction silicones made their debut in the 1970s,
Once dental professionals, particularly assistants, under- eliminating the problems dental professionals experienced with
stand the different material characteristics, indication require- poor stability and low tear-resistance.3 Of course they still had
ments and techniques, practices will be able to make informed their limitations, continuing to prove no impression material
decisions on the right material and approach for each case, as was ideal for every clinical situation.4
well as keep the process of obtaining impressions as stress-free Vinyl polysiloxane (VPS), the most popular impression
and comfortable for patients as possible. material available today, offers dental professionals another
Accurate impressions provide clinicians with detailed option. The material doesn’t require hand mixing, offers
records of the oral cavity. They capture the exact dimensions exceptional dimensional stability and features a quick set time.
of the prepared teeth and the soft tissue, the margins of These features reduce the need for remakes while also helping
the preparation, and surrounding dentition relationship.1 to put patients at ease.
As materials continue to improve and dental teams better
understand those materials and common techniques, dental The Characteristics
professionals will be able to obtain more accurate impressions Impression materials continue to improve, but to know which
and offer patients more predictable impressions.2 material is best for various clinical situations, it’s important to
understand various impression material characteristics. They
Abstract include:
Accurate impressions are a key component of successful 1. Hydrophilicity. Referring to the material’s affinity for
restorations. They play a vital role in restorative dentistry and water, hydrophilicity significantly affects how it reacts in
should provide accurate intraoral details and dimensional the oral cavity and its ability to accurately record intraoral
stability. Understanding the various types of materials available, surface detail.3
the different techniques and the best ways to keep patients If a material is hydrophilic, it has a high affinity for
comfortable will help dental professionals select the best moisture. Its good surface wetting capabilities allows for
material for each case. a high degree of surface detail. Hydrophobic materials,
on the other hand, have a low affinity for moisture and
The history of dental impressions therefore a low degree of surface detail.3,6,7,8
Phillip Phaf first introduced the dental world to impressions Hydroactive materials feature both hydrophobic and
in 1775, when he displayed the technique using softened hydrophilic characteristics. As a naturally hydrophobic
wax.3 Clinicians soon discovered wax demonstrated too much material, they become hydrophilic through the addition of
distortion when removed. Many materials have been used since, surfactants.1 These materials provide a superior degree of
some with better results than others. Plaster and zinc oxide- surface wetting ability and detail.3
eugenol came next, and also quickly fell out of favor when it 2. Elasticity and Tear Strength. This describes the way
became clear they didn’t have the ability to flex over and around the impression material behaves as it’s removed from the
undercuts without breaking.4 mouth. For best results, the material’s elasticity should

2 www.DentalAcademyOfCE.com
 allow it to stretch and then return to its original shape. If Selecting the right material
the material is stretched beyond its elastic capacity and The impression material you use is dependent on the case. Here
doesn’t return to its original shape, there’s a good chance are a few guidelines:
the impression will be distorted.
A material’s tear strength is the ability to stretch and Alginate Impressions
then return to its original shape without tearing.2 There are Alginate impression materials can be evaluated in part based on
several factors that contribute to tear strength, including their related setting and working times. Setting time establishes
natural undercuts, depth of the subgingival margin, amount the minimum time required for the impression material to be in
of hemorrhage, sharp edges on the preparations, and tough the mouth, while working time extends from the start of mixing
preparations that increase the resistance needed to remove to when the material is placed in the tray. A material that sets
the materials.9 quickly will have a shorter working time, and a material that sets
Elasticity and tear strength are important impression slowly will have a longer working time.
material characteristics. When dental professionals don’t Interestingly, setting and working times are affected by tem-
understand them properly, it can lead to multiple retakes, perature, so refrigerating impression materials before use can
which are both costly and time consuming. increase working time by as much as 90 seconds. Working time
3. Viscosity. The rate of flow of an unset impression material may also be influenced by other factors, including the number
is its viscosity, which comes in four classifications: low (a of preparations, whether hand-mixing is required, and the ma-
syringe or wash material), medium, high (tray material) and terial’s viscosity. KromaFaze helps offer a visual guide for dental
very high (putty).2 The amount of filler present determines assistants by letting the color of the material be the timer. The
a material’s viscosity.10 material changes from a purple mix to a pink color indicating
Why is viscosity important? It influences the material’s that it is ready to be loaded onto the tray and inserted in the
ability to capture the necessary intraoral details for an oral cavity. The impression will then turn white, then we simply
accurate impression. Lower viscosity materials typically just have to wait thirty seconds to remove. Having canisters and
record finer details and allow for the greatest shrinkage singles packets aid in a pre-measured volume of dental alginate
while the material sets10. The challenge with low viscosity for a single impression. The water measure is incorporated as
materials is they’re more difficult to work with than part of the package and eliminates the canister, scoop and water
materials with a high viscosity. vial.
Understanding viscosity is important when determining
the best material for a particular case. The level of viscosity Preliminary impressions
needed depends on the type of restoration being placed These impressions, used for treatment planning, don’t require
and how much detail is necessary. as many details as the final versions, making hydrocolloids,
4. Working and Setting Time. The working time describes such as alginate, and alginate alternative materials better op-
how long it takes to mix and place the material in an tions. They should be avoided, however, when making final
impression tray, while the setting time indicates how long it impressions.
takes for the material to set once it’s placed in the patient’s What makes these materials less than adequate for final
mouth.2 Materials with longer working times take longer impressions? Water-based hydrocolloids are made of up to 80%
to set. A number of preparations influence working time, water.10 They’re very delicate materials with low tear strength
such as whether the assistant is using hand-mix or automix and that don’t provide finite detail.12 Rubber-based polysulfide
materials, and the material’s viscosity.1 Temperature also materials lack dimensional stability, while they provide enough
plays a role in working and setting time.1,11 Ideal working detail for treatment planning, they shouldn’t be used for final
and setting times depend on the number of preparations impressions.
and the assistant’s skill level. It is important to keep in mind that while they might not
5. Dimensional Stability. This is vital to ensuring the require as much detail, it’s still necessary to obtain accurate
laboratory receives impressions that are accurate and solid. impressions for diagnostic models used for treatment planning.
Completed impressions should remain unaltered for long The accuracy stipulations aren’t nearly as stringent as they are
periods of time, resist temperature changes during shipping for crowns, implants, bridges and any other restoration dentists
and be able to fabricate multiple accurate casts.6 If the place. Remember these models are used to study occlusion,
impression doesn’t have dimensional stability because of archform, occlusal plane and esthetics, which are all important
temperature changes, water absorption, contraction from records used in treatment planning.
polymerization or any other reason, it won’t be usable, Alginate alternatives are polyvinyl siloxane impression-
meaning the patient will need to be called back for a retake. based materials that are excellent for creating an optimum di-

www.DentalAcademyOfCE.com 3
agnostic impression. They allow for multiple pours if necessary future. The material also can be disinfected without affecting
and eliminate the need to pour the model immediately. When dimensional stability.
using this material, assistants should dry the teeth before plac-
ing the impression and be careful to capture all the surfaces of The Techniques
the teeth, extending well beyond the free gingival margins, the It’s important to become familiar with the most popular, most
entire buccal and lingual vestibules, and the entire hard palate. effective techniques used for making impressions. They include:
1. The Dual Arch Technique. Use this technique to
Final Impressions simultaneously capture the prepared teeth, opposing arch,
Polyethers are among the materials best suited for making mul- and occlusal articulation in maximum intercuspation.12 This
tiple impressions. The accurate, effective material allows for method is well suited for cases that require preparing one
multiple pours, provides long-term dimensional stability and or two posterior teeth for indirect restorations. The use of
features a short set time.1 These materials provide the accurate inflexible metal trays increases impression accuracy in this
surface detail, minimal distortion on removal and tear strength technique.10
needed to create impressions that last. They also have a shelf-life 2. The Single Cord Technique. This technique helps
of up to seven days. deflect and manage soft tissue. It works best with tooth
Of course, these materials also come with their challenges, preparations that terminate supragingivally or at the tissue
including rigidity, an unpleasant taste and odor, the tendency height.13 But, it can be uncomfortable for patients. The cord
to absorb water from the atmosphere and swell over time, displaces the tissues, exposing the preparation’s marginal
and difficult intraoral removal.1,4 Even so, polyethers have a area, and remains in place until the final impression.13
successful clinical history and offer dental professionals an 3. The Double Cord Technique. Just like the name sug-
established, effective material. gests, this technique adds another retraction cord to the
Polyvinyl Siloxane (VPS) materials represent another effec- single cord technique. With the single cord in place, the
tive option for final impressions. The popular materials help second cord lies on top of the first, further displacing the
ensure assistants obtain accurate impressions.1 They address tissue,13 and creating enough room for the material to fill the
many of the challenges associated with polyether materials. sulcular area and flow around the preparation.14
For example, they provide less rigid impressions that do not This technique creates a space to record intricate details of the
absorb excess fluid, and also offer a neutral taste and smell.1 marginal area.15 Keep in mind the first cord remains in place
Other advantages include the ability to pour multiple casts, high around the preparation until the final impression, which
accuracy, optimal tear strength, excellent elasticity, enhanced may lead to patient discomfort.
dimensional stability, and a shelf life of up to seven days.1 4. Gingival Retraction Paste Technique. Dental
VPS materials are inherently hydrophobic, and also feature professionals want to keep their patients as comfortable
added surfactants to increase hydrophilicity.2 The disadvantages as possible, and this technique is designed to alleviate
include reduced polymerization when latex contamination some of the discomfort associated with the retraction cord
occurs.1 techniques. After it’s placed in the gingival sulcus, the paste
There are also hybrid materials that provide the benefits of displaces the soft tissue, allowing for greater exposure of the
both polyether and VPS materials. Vinly-polyether hybrids offer preparation margin.13 The chemical composition provides
multiple pours, high tear strength and dimensional stability.2 a localized homeostasis effect, and can be used as the basis
The polyether contributes to the material’s truly hydrophilic of the double cord technique, eliminating the need for the
nature without added surfactants,2 while the silicone element single retraction cord.13
increases dimensional stability and elasticity. The hybrid
material also offers a pleasant flavor, eliminating the bitter taste Making Patients Comfortable
and smells of polyethers.2 Vinyl-polyether hybrids present an During Impression Taking
ideal combination of characteristics for accurate impressions. Unfortunately, the impression taking process can be rather
With any of these materials, dentists can send their labs more uncomfortable for patients. In some cases, it can be a horrible
accurate impressions, whether the impression is for a crown, an experience psychologically.16
implant, dentures or any other restoration. The flow properties Many patients become anxious, and there’s only so much that
these materials exhibit help improve accuracy of fit and deliver can be done to ease their nerves, make them more comfortable
more defined landmarks. This decreases the number of retakes, and help control the involuntary gagging reflexes that make the
remakes and adjustments, saving practices time and money. process more difficult. Gag reflexes limit the ability to provide
VPS materials demonstrate low dimensional changes and quality care and compromises many aspects of treatment, from
retains its shape upon setting for months, without the need for diagnostic procedures to the final restoration’s accuracy.17
special storage. As a result, impressions can be used again in the It’s important to find ways to make the procedure as stress-

4 www.DentalAcademyOfCE.com
free and painless for patients as possible. A big part of that comes blueprint to restorative success. Inside Dentistry. 2006;2(5):1-3.
2. Burgess JO. Impression material basics. Inside Dentistry.
from choosing the right material. VPS impression materials tend
2005;1(1):30-33.
to have handling characteristics, accuracy, stability, and shorter 3. Pitel ML. Successful Impression Taking. First Time, Everytime.
setting times, all of which benefit patients while they’re in the Armonk, NY: Heraeus Kulzer, 2005: C-C14.
chair and lead to better final results. 4. Berry T, Radz G. New technologies for easier and more accurate
Using materials that come in pre-filled cartridges help put impressions. Inside Dentistry. 2007;3(9):46-48.
5. Wassell RW, Barker D, Walls AW. Crowns and other extra-coronal
patients at ease, while the more pleasant scent makes for a restorations: impression materials and technique. Brit Dent J.
better experience. VPS materials also demonstrate improved 2002;192(12):679-690.
thixotropic consistency, so they don’t slump, run, or cause 6. Lee EA. Impression material selection in contemporary fixed
patients to gag. Fast set versions of these materials reduce the prosthodontics: technique, rationale, and indications. Compend
Contin Educ Dent. 2005;26(11):780-789.
amount of time they’re in the patient’s mouth, which is a relief
7. Johnson GH, Lepe X, Aw TC. The effect of surface moisture on
to anxious patients. detail reproduction of elastomeric impressions. J Prosthet Dent.
VPS materials also offer improved accuracy and stability, 2003;90(4):354-364.
meaning patients won’t have to sit through the process 8. Petrie CS, Walker MP, O’mahoney Am, et al. Dimensional
again because the first impression was deformed, unstable accuracy and surface detail reproduction of two hydrophilic vinyl
polysiloxane impression materials tested under dry, moist, and
or inaccurate. With VPS materials, intraoral details, such as wet conditions. J Proshet Dent. 2003;90(4):365-372.
margins, are accurately captured without voids, bubbles or other 9. Laufer BZ, Baharav H, Cardash HS. The linear accuracy of
imperfections. 18, 19 The material won’t distort when removed impressions and stone dies as affected by the thickness of the
from the mouth or after pouring multiple casts. impression margin. Int J Prosthodont. 1994;7(3):247-52.
Improved accuracy also offers more precise marginal 10. Donovan TE, Chee WWL. A review of contemporary impression
materials and techniques. Dent Clin N Am. 2004;48:445-70.
integrity when making provisional restorations, which helps 11. Mandikos MN. Polyvinyl siloxane impression materials: an
prevent leaks and protects the underlying preparation. A update on clinical use. Aust Dent J. 1998;43(6):428-434.
properly formed provisional also makes patients more confident 12. Kurtzman, G. Creating great dental impressions. Inside Dental
they’ll be satisfied with the final outcome. Assisting. 2012;8(1):42-45.
13. Donovan TE, Chee WWL. Preliminary investigation of a
VPS materials can be poured immediately or when it’s
disinfected gypsum die-stone. Int J Prosthodont. 1989;2:245.
convenient, so provisional fabrication can begin as soon as the 14. Radz G. The key to the perfect impression. Compend Contin
impression is removed from the patient’s mouth. Many other Educ Dent. 2010;31(6):464-465.
materials require 20 minutes of waiting prior to pouring. 15. Paquette JM, Sheets CG. An impression technique for repeated
Because it’s possible to use patients’ original impressions success. Inside Dentistry. 2012;8(2):70-80.
16. Perakis N, Belser UC, Magne P. Final impressions: a review of
for several months for any number of indications, it’s easy material properties and description of a current technique. Int J
to quickly address issues that come up in the future, even Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2004;24(2):109-117.
emergencies. If a provisional restoration needs adjustment or 17. Farrier S, Pretty IA, Lynch CD, Addy LD. Gagging during
becomes dislodged, for example, it can easily be remade using impression making: techniques for reduction. Dent Update. 2011
Apr;38(3):171-2, 174-6.
the original impression.
18. Dickinson CM, Fiske J. A review of gagging problems in
dentistry: 2. Clinical assessment and management. SADJ. 2006
Conclusion Jul;61(6):258-62, 266.
Obtaining accurate, stable impressions relies on careful 19. Hamalian TA, Nasr E, Chidiac JJ. Impression materials in fixed
evaluation of each patient and planned restoration to identify the prosthodontics: influence of choice on clinical procedure. J
Prosthodont. 2011 Feb;20(2):153-60. Epub 2011 Feb 1.
ideal material and technique. Since impression materials were 20. Rubel BS. Impression materials: a comparative review of
first introduced in 1775, they’ve come a long way, and dental impression materials most commonly used in restorative dentistry.
professionals now have materials with the characteristics they Dent Clin North Am. 2007 Jul;51(3):629-42, vi.
need to obtain accurate, stable impressions that lead to beautiful
restorations that fit properly. Author Profile
Improved techniques and materials make it possible to make Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA is a National and International
accurate impressions while keeping patients comfortable. Patients Speaker and published author. Shannon is past faculty member
spend less time in the chair and are more comfortable during at the Dawson Academy and Spear Education. She is an active
the process. Their impressions come out right the first time, so member of the AACD. She is the first auxiliary to sit on the
there’s no need to re-take them, saving patients time, anxiety and AACD Board of Directors and was awarded the Rising Star
discomfort and ultimately leading to more predictable outcomes. Award. Shannon was selected one of Dentistry Today’s Top
100 Clinicians of 2009 to 2014. She was also selected as Dental
References Products Report 25 most influential women in dentistry and Dr.
1. Terry DA, Leinfelder KF, Lee EA, et al. The impression: a Bicuspid’s Dental Assistant Educator of the year for 2012.

www.DentalAcademyOfCE.com 5
 Online Completion INSTANT EXAM CODE 15244
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Questions

1. There are several areas to consider when 11. Alginate materials have the following 21. There are _____ classifications of
making accurate dental impressions: characters. viscosity.
a. Help patients ensure they receive comfortable care a. Lower tear-resistance. a. 2
from the clinicians. b. 3
b. Receive comfortable and beautiful restorations that b. Decreased dimensional stability with time.
last for many years. c. Technique sensitive. c. 4
c. Understand the differences in techniques and d. All of the above d. All of the above
impression materials 12. Alginate must be poured up within the 22. Lower viscosity materials typically record
d. All of the above __________dental.
following time to avoid distortion?
2. Practices are able to make the right a. 1 hour a. Finer
decisions on materials to use because of the b. 5 to 7 days b. Heavier
following: c. Middle of the road
a. Differences in characteristics of impression materi- c. immediately
d. All of the above
als. d. All of the above
b. Indications based on their medications. 23. Working and Setting times describes
13. Polysulfide Rubber based impression what?
c. How much material to give the patient to take their materials offered the following:
own impressions at home? a. How long it takes to mix
d. All of the above. a. Less accuracy b. How long it takes to place
b. Less tear resistance c. How long it takes to set
3. Accurate records provide the clinicians
detailed records of the following: c. Great dimensional stability d. All of the above
a. Detailed Anatomy d. None of the above
24. Working Time can be influenced by the
b. Soft Tissue 14. VPS materials offer the following qualities: following:
c. Margins of Preparations a. Only hand mixing
d. All of the above a. How much the operator is talking
b. Comes in fast set only b. If the patient is lying back
4. Some of the first impression materials used c. Offers various setting times c. Using a hand-mix or auto-mix
were: d. All of the above
a. Plummer’s Tape d. All of the Above
b. Dessert Frosting 15. One of the four characteristics of 25. If the impression doesn’t have dimensional
c. Softened Wax impression materials is: stability, the following will happen:
d. All of the Above a. Stiff and hard a. You will see the best margins on the final restora-
5. The _______ is a primary consideration in b. Hydromatic tions
determining which impression material is c. Sensitive to temperatures b. The patient will only need one impression
appropriate to use for that procedure? d. Dependency c. The impressions will need to be retaken
a. Expense d. All of the above
b. What the impression is going to be used for? 16. There are a lot of challenges with
c. Time of day you are taking the impression. 26. What material is the best for multiple
viscosity materials impressions?
d. All of the above
such as: a. Alginate
6. What was the name of the first person to a. Flow
introduce dental impressions to the world? b. VPS
a. Peter Dawson b. Shrinkage c. Polyether
b. Phillip Michaels c. More difficult to work with d. b and c
c. Phillip Phaf d. All of the above 27. Polyether’s come with multiple challenges
d. None of the Above 17. What are the primary characteristics for for the clinician due to the following:
7. Hydrocolloid materials first introduced impression materials? a. Rigidity
contained the following: a. Hydrophilicity b. Bad taste and smell
a. Agar c. Difficult to remove
b. Glue b. Elasticity and Tear Strength
c. Viscosity, Working and Setting Times d. All of the above
c. Sodium powder
d. All of the above d. All of the Above 28. When preforming the Dual Arch
8. Some of the materials that were first 18. Hydrophilicity means: Technique, this type of impression
introduced in dentistry were not a. How it reacts to water captures:
recommended soon after releasing due to b. How it reacts to air a. Unprepared teeth
the following: c. How it reacts to your hands b. Prepared teeth
a. Too much distortion d. All of the above c. Opposing arches
b. Flex to much d. All of the above
c. Kept warm and soft 19. Elasticity and Tear Strength means:
29. Different Cord Techniques can be used to
d. a and b a. How you seat the impressions
manage soft tissue such as:
9. The lowest cost materials used today are? b. The position of the patient in the chair a. Single Cord
a. Polyether c. The way the impression material behaves as it is b. Double Cord
b. VPS removed from the patient’s mouth c. Triple Cord
c. Alginate d. All of the above d. A and B
d. All of the above
20. One of the factors that contribute to tear 30. Choosing the right impression materials
10. ___________ impression material is used strength is:
most frequently in dental practices? can help lower the patient’s anxiety by:
a. Alginate a. Reflection of the material a. Feeling less anxious
b. Polyether b. Depth of the subgingival margin b. Have less gagging
c. Silicone c. Reaction to gagging c. Minimize less time in the chair
d. None of the Above d. All of the above d. All of the Above

6 www.DentalAcademyOfCE.com
 INSTANT EXAM CODE 15244 ANSWER SHEET

Choosing the Right Impression Material

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Telephone: Home ( ) Office ( )

Lic. Renewal Date: AGD Member ID:

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Complete the Course Evaluation below. 7) Make check payable to PennWell Corp. For Questions Call 800-633-1681
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Educational Objectives PennWell Corp.
Attn: Dental Division,
1. Explain why accurate impressions are necessary
1421 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK, 74112
2. Discuss the different types of impression materials available today or fax to: 918-212-9037
3. Identify the ideal impression material for different indications
For IMMEDIATE results,
4. Identify impression material characteristics that help keep patients comfortable and reduce their anxiety go to www.DentalAcademyOfCE.com to take tests online.
INSTANT EXAM CODE 15244
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Acct. Number: ______________________________
2. To what extent were the course objectives accomplished overall? 5 4 3 2 1 0 Exp. Date: _____________________
3. Please rate your personal mastery of the course objectives. 5 4 3 2 1 0 Charges on your statement will show up as PennWell

4. How would you rate the objectives and educational methods? 5 4 3 2 1 0

5. How do you rate the author’s grasp of the topic? 5 4 3 2 1 0
1. 16.
2. 17.
6. Please rate the instructor’s effectiveness. 5 4 3 2 1 0
3. 18.
7. Was the overall administration of the course effective? 5 4 3 2 1 0
4. 19.
8. Please rate the usefulness and clinical applicability of this course. 5 4 3 2 1 0
5. 20.
9. Please rate the usefulness of the supplemental webliography. 5 4 3 2 1 0 6. 21.
10. Do you feel that the references were adequate? Yes No 7. 22.
11. Would you participate in a similar program on a different topic? Yes No 8. 23.
12. If any of the continuing education questions were unclear or ambiguous, please list them. 9. 24.
________________________________________________________________ 10. 25.
13. Was there any subject matter you found confusing? Please describe. 11. 26.
_________________________________________________________________ 12. 27.
14. How long did it take you to complete this course? 13. 28.
_________________________________________________________________ 14. 29.
15. What additional continuing dental education topics would you like to see? 15. 30.
_________________________________________________________________
AGD Code 250
PLEASE PHOTOCOPY ANSWER SHEET FOR ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS.
COURSE EVALUATION and PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK PROVIDER INFORMATION RECORD KEEPING
We encourage participant feedback pertaining to all courses. Please be sure to complete the survey included PennWell is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental association PennWell maintains records of your successful completion of any exam for a minimum of six years. Please
with the course. Please e-mail all questions to: [email protected]. to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP contact our offices for a copy of your continuing education credits report. This report, which will list all
does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, not does it imply acceptance of credit hours credits earned to date, will be generated and mailed to you within five business days of receipt.
INSTRUCTIONS by boards of dentistry.
All questions should have only one answer. Grading of this examination is done manually. Participants will Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to give the participant
receive confirmation of passing by receipt of a verification form. Verification of Participation forms will be Concerns or complaints about a CE Provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP ar www. the feeling that s/he is an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational
mailed within two weeks after taking an examination. ada.org/cotocerp/ courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
COURSE CREDITS/COST The PennWell Corporation is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
All participants scoring at least 70% on the examination will receive a verification form verifying 3 CE Dentistry. The formal continuing dental education programs of this program provider are accepted by the Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting PennWell in writing.
credits. The formal continuing education program of this sponsor is accepted by the AGD for Fellowship/ AGD for Fellowship, Mastership and membership maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance
Mastership credit. Please contact PennWell for current term of acceptance. Participants are urged to by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from IMAGE AUTHENTICITY
contact their state dental boards for continuing education requirements. PennWell is a California Provider. (11/1/2015) to (10/31/2019) Provider ID# 320452 The images provided and included in this course have not been altered.
The California Provider number is 4527. The cost for courses ranges from $20.00 to $110.00.
© 2018 by the Academy of Dental Therapeutics and Stomatology, a division of PennWell

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