How long does a tooth impression take?

The setting time of the impression materials depends on the manufacturer’s specifications. Alginate usually sets after about 2 minutes, while ImpregumTM and AquasilTM require about 7 minutes. LuraliteTM , which is used for total denture impressions, hardens after 6 min.However, because of the different steps, you should plan about 5-10 minutes for alginate and at least 30 minutes for precision impressions. Depending on the situation and the “cooperation” of the patient, impressions can take much longer.

Which material is used?

Most common is the alginate impression to represent the situation. Alginate is a powder made of components of algae and silicic acid that sets with water and is produced in various colors. Typical is the minty taste and the rather elastic consistency.

Highly viscous precision impression materials are for example ImpregumTM (purple-colored polyether) or AquasilTM (green and yellow A-silicone), which set without water and are very hard. For functional impressions of complete dentures, e.g. GCTM Iso functional Sticks are used for the margin and LuraliteTM for the base. Both are pink, while the former is wax-like and malleable by heating and the latter is eugenol-based.

How to make a dental impression of loose teeth

In the case of already loosened teeth, a precision impression with ImpregumTM or AquasilTM can lead to further loosening until the tooth is lost. Therefore, either a digital impression should be taken or a softer material should be used. Alginate is suitable for situation impressions of loosened teeth. If increased accuracy is required, special impression materials such as Impregum SoftTM or Express PentaTM Putty can be used, which are easier to remove. You have loosened teeth?

How to make a digital dental impression?

A digital dental impression is created by a special camera that scans the teeth (therefore also called “intraoral scan”). This technique is the most modern, but it cannot be used in all situations. For implant work and crowns or bridges whose boundaries are not below the gum line.

but they are quite suitable. Depending on the manufacturer, the jaw to be impressioned must or must not be dusted with powder after drying. Then the dentist guides the camera over the tooth row.

The scanning success can be followed on the PC screen. If necessary, both scanned jaws can then be put together on the PC. The 3D models thus calculated on the PC can be converted to plastic using a 3D printer.

Then the dental prosthesis can be produced conventionally in the laboratory. Some systems permit the direct production of dental prostheses on the PC after planning by coupling them with a milling machine that produces ceramic crowns, ceramic inlays or plastic splints directly in the dental practice (e.g. CEREC). The digital impression is not covered by the statutory health insurance companies. Depending on whether both jaws or just individual teeth are scanned and which system is used in the practice, the costs can range from 20 to over 50 euros.