What type of materials are primarily used in alginate impressions?

Study for the DAT Chairside Lab Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Alginate impressions primarily utilize irreversible hydrocolloid materials due to their unique properties that make them ideal for capturing detailed impressions of teeth and oral tissues. Irreversible hydrocolloids, such as alginate, are composed of a powder and water that form a gel-like substance after mixing. Once set, this gel cannot be returned to its liquid state, which is advantageous for creating accurate impressions without the need for reheating or reprocessing.

Alginate is favored in many dental applications because it is easy to manipulate, provides good detail reproduction, and is relatively inexpensive. The setting reaction occurs quickly, allowing for efficient procedures in clinical practice. Furthermore, alginate impressions are typically sufficient for diagnostic models and preliminary impressions, making them a staple in chairside lab work.

In contrast, reversible hydrocolloid materials are capable of changing back to a liquid state upon heating, which does not apply to alginate. Biocompatible composites are used in restorative procedures rather than for making impressions, and polyvinyl siloxane materials are silicone-based impression materials that offer different characteristics compared to aqueous hydrocolloids, typically used for more precise impressions in final prosthodontic applications.

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