Which material is most commonly used for making impressions in dentistry?

The most commonly used material for making impressions in dentistry is alginate. This material is favored primarily due to its ease of use, convenient properties, and reliable results. Alginate is a hydrocolloid that sets upon contact with water, allowing for a quick and straightforward impression-taking process. It is particularly useful for general impressions, such as those needed for study models, as it can capture fine details of the oral structures effectively.

Alginate’s affordability and the ability to make multiple impressions efficiently contribute to its widespread use in dental practices. The material is also forgiving and generates a relatively accurate representation of the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity, making it a reliable choice for various dental procedures.

In contrast, materials such as acrylic are typically used for other applications, like creating dental appliances or prosthetics, rather than for impressions directly. Composite resins are mainly employed in restorative dentistry for filling cavities and are not suitable for impression making. Rubber dams serve a different purpose entirely; they are employed to isolate the field during procedures and do not play a role in creating impressions.