Which material is commonly used for dental impressions?

Silicone is widely used for dental impressions due to its excellent elasticity, precision, and ability to capture fine details of the teeth and oral structures. It exhibits significant stability, meaning that it can retain its shape over time, which is crucial for creating accurate replicas needed for various dental procedures, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Silicone also has the advantage of being available in different viscosities, which allows dental professionals to select the appropriate type based on the specific requirements of the impression. It is odorless and tasteless, making the experience more comfortable for patients compared to some other impression materials.

The use of silicone ensures that the resulting impressions can withstand the pour-up of stone or plaster without distortion, leading to reliable and effective dental models.