The process of taking precision impressions is riddled with potential errors. Errors in the process can compromise the quality of the impression, which in turn has a decisive impact on the fit of the final restoration.

It is important to know how to avoid them and understand some of the proven strategies for more reliable success.

Dental technician Gunther Schlosser, who has trained over a thousand dental professionals worldwide on impression taking optimisation, offers the following advice.

1. Practice Management - Standardise for Success

Many impression errors begin with inconsistent materials, unclear team roles or poor organisation. Standardising workflows ensures every team member follows the same process, reducing variability and improving efficiency.

Define roles clearly: Everyone should know their specific responsibilities to avoid confusion during procedures.

Use the same materials and protocols across practitioners: This enables dentists and dental nurses to substitute seamlessly.

Optimise workspace layout: Keep automatic mixing units near the chair to save time, especially with fast-setting materials.

Maintain proper storage conditions: High temperatures shorten working times, while cold environments can cause mixing issues. Store materials at room temperature, away from heat sources or fluctuating conditions.

2. Tray and Material Selection: The Foundation of Accuracy

Tray choice significantly influences impression quality. Use a rigid, non-perforated metal or plastic tray for full-arch impressions to prevent distortion. Check intraorally to ensure 2–3 mm of uniform space around the teeth.

Select materials compatible with your chosen technique:

  • Polyether is ideal for monophase or one-step techniques.
  • VPS (Vinyl Polysiloxane) suits two-step methods and offers excellent flow and hydrophilicity when unset.

Match setting times to the number of prepared teeth or implants to maintain accuracy and avoid premature setting.

3M Impression materials | Kent Express
3M Impression Materials

For successful crown, bridge and implant procedures. 3M's world leading dental impression material puts you in control by simplifying the workflow.

4. Follow-Up: Preserve Impression Integrity

After removal, rinse, dry, and disinfect the impression immediately. Store in a cool, dry, and dark environment. For transport, wrap in a dry paper towel and place in an open bag to prevent moisture buildup and dimensional changes.

The Takeaway

Consistently accurate impressions stem from one key principle: standardisation. By controlling every stage from team workflow to material storage your practice can better ensure precise impressions and perfectly fitting restorations every time.

Where can I buy reliable impression materials and accessories?

We have a huge range of quality impression materials available to buy on our online store, including all Solventum polyether and VPS products referenced above.

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