HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

Which aqueous dental impression material is most commonly used?

1. Polyvinyl siloxane

2. Alginate

3. Silicone

4. Polyether

The correct answer is: Alginate

Alginate is the most commonly used aqueous dental impression material primarily due to its user-friendly properties and versatility. It is a hydrocolloid material that is easy to mix and manipulate, allowing for quick and efficient impressions in various dental procedures. Alginate sets through a chemical reaction, making it stable in the mouth for capturing detailed impressions of soft and hard tissues. One of the key advantages of alginate is its affordability and availability, which makes it accessible for many dental practices. It is also suitable for a wide range of applications, such as preliminary impressions for study models or orthodontic applications. Additionally, alginate has excellent handling characteristics, such as a smooth consistency that allows for easy placement in the tray and impression-taking process. Although other materials like polyvinyl siloxane and polyether are also used in dental impressions, they are typically reserved for specific applications where higher accuracy and detail are required, such as fixed prosthodontics or impression of prepared teeth. These materials can be more expensive and may require more precise mixing and working techniques compared to alginate, which contributes to alginate's popularity in everyday dental practice.