Which material is commonly used for dental impressions?

Alginate is widely used for dental impressions due to its favorable properties. It is a hydrophilic material, which means it can capture fine details of the teeth and surrounding tissues effectively when mixed with water and set into a gel-like consistency. This quality allows it to accurately replicate the anatomy of the oral cavity, making it an excellent choice for both preliminary and diagnostic impressions, as well as for making study models.

Additionally, alginate is relatively easy to manipulate, quick to set, and provides a good balance of flexibility and rigidity, helping in the removal from the mouth without distortion. Its ease of use and effectiveness in capturing intricate details of dental anatomy make it a preferred option in clinical practice, particularly for procedures where accurate impressions are critical.