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Laurence Bohan
Content Writer
Laurence Bohan
Content Writer

Laurence is a copywriter and trained journalist. His passion is creating insightful and educational content for dental professionals of every level. Outside of work, he enjoys watching sport, quizzing and spending time with his family.

How Are Dental Impression Materials Categorised?

The key differentiator between impression materials is whether they are rigid or elastomeric. Rigid impression materials, such as plaster, impression compound and zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) impression paste, are rigid when set. They offer very little elasticity and cannot record the finest detail. In addition if they are deformed, this deformation will become permanent, so the impressions can be easily damaged. However they have good accuracy, are economically priced, and are easy to use. They are useful in specific situations e.g. for relining partial or full dentures.

Over 90% of the impression materials we sell at Kent Express are elastic materials. These provide an easier flow and tend to be easier to shape. Elastic impression materials can further be broken down into two groups: hydrocolloids (materials which can turn from a liquid state into a semi-solid state depending on the temperature) and synthetic elastomers (polymer-based impression materials which chemically cross-link when setting).

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of our four biggest selling impression materials, to help you make an informed decision about how and when they should be used:

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