C-Silicones Materials: Light Body, Putty Impression Materials

In dentistry, dental impressions play an important role in delivering the outcomes of prostheses and restorations, bringing smiles to the patient's face, and bringing immense satisfaction to the dental practitioner. Accuracy and precision are paramount for the treatment. C-Silicones, also known as Condensation Silicones has developed a crucial role in impression materials due to its superior accuracy, ease of use and versatile material. This article will cover various aspects of C-silicone materials, including their benefits, usages, and applications in dentistry.

What is C-Silicone Impression Material?

Condensation silicone dental or C-silicone impression materials were the first type of silicone impression materials introduced. They are also known as conventional silicones, and their setting occurs at room temperature. It is supplied in a paste system and composed of a base and catalyst system which reacts to form a rubber-like polymer with exceptional dimensional stability. The base system is composed of hydroxyl-terminated polysiloxane polymers and filler (cristobalite, talc and starch), and the catalyst system is composed of liquid (cross-linking agent –tetraethoxy silane+ activator bibutyl-tin dilaurate and paste catalysts like cross-linking agent, activator, inert oils and fillers. This material is known for its accuracy and detailed reproduction making it suitable for various dental applications including crowns, bridges and other lab prostheses.

Types of C-Silicone Impression Material:

There are three types of C-Silicone impression materials, each with a specific formulation, tailored to clinical needs. These are as follows:

Putty:

Dental c-silicone putty or condensation silicone putty is the unsung hero of dental procedures making it easy for the practitioner to perform various dental procedures. A versatile impression material designed for precise and detailed impressions of the oral cavity, it is a highly viscous material for creating the bulk of an impression when mixed and applied to the patient’s mouth, hardens to form a negative replica. Its consistency provides excellent support for lighter body impression materials when used in combination. Its tear strength and dimensional stability ensure the proper shape and accuracy during the setting process.

Light Body:

Light body impression materials are low-viscosity vinyl polysiloxanes with optimized thixotropy and hydrophilic properties which ensure high accuracy and precision for recording. It flows easily to undercut areas and fine smaller crevices make them perfect for detailed reproduction of teeth and surrounding tissues. These materials are used in conjunction with putty for more desired results. Various methods of applying light body material on the tray or directly in the mouth capture more delicate features of the surrounding tissues.

Heavy Body:

Heavy body impression materials have high viscosity vinyl polysiloxane materials offer preliminary impressions with excellent carving properties. It is used to provide strong stable impression material supporting lighter body materials thus aiding in the creation of a final complete impression to meet all clinical demands. Mainly used for capturing contours and occlusal aspects of the impressions.

Benefits of Using C-Silicones:

C-silicones or condensation silicone dental provide notable advantages in dental practice. They offer adequate tear strength better than additional silicones and are hydrophobic i.e. they are not susceptible to imbibitions (swelling) or syneresis (shrinking) thus minimizing the distortion risk. The material is user-friendly, and less messy than typical impression materials like alginate, featuring straightforward handling. These materials are odorless and tasteless so it causes less discomfort to the patients. The important feature is they provide a good amount of working time in between2-3mins and adequate setting time of 5-7mins as set by the manufacturer. These materials are compatible with all dental die materials and techniques.

Avue Dentasil c- silicone or condensation silicone putty/light body offers great benefits in a single product and its formulations like high viscosity for bulk impressions and exceptional flow for capturing minute details.

How to Use C-Silicone Impression Material?

C-silicones or condensation silicone impression material provide high-precision detailed impressions and are universally acceptable for all impression techniques. These materials are economical as compared to A-silicones and are versatile enough can be used both for removable and fixed prosthesis fabrication. These materials are compatible with standard and custom-made trays and can be used in single-step or double-step impression techniques. These materials are mixed manually using a metallic spatula for a light body and c- silicone putty can be moulded in dough form with hands using all precautionary measures. Make sure the reaction time is proportionate to temperature, i.e. sets faster in warm conditions and sets slower in cold conditions.

Why buy C-Silicones Impression Material Online from Dental Avenue?

At, Dental Avenue one can find a range of premium dental products and C-Silicones or condensation silicone impression materials having options of light body, heavy body and putty impression. The convenience of buying dental products online with our flexible delivery options. Dental practitioners can benefit from competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Dental Avenue ensures access to reliable dental products to cater for the needs of dental professionals.

FAQ’S

How long does it take for C-Silicone to set?

C-silicone-based impression material takes about 5-7 mins to set completely in the mouth, also it depends on other factors such as the manufacturer's recommendation and the temperature of the clinic.

What is the difference between A-silicones and C-Silicones?

A-silicones also known as addition silicones require additional chemical reactions to form whereas C-silicones (condensation silicones dental ) form from chemical reactions.

What are the uses of Silicone Impression Material?

Silicone-based impression materials have diverse properties and can be used in many applications of dentistry like for accurate and precise impressions of crowns, bridges, onlays, inlays, and other restorative procedures. These materials are also used in the preparation of diagnostic models.