For a final impression of complete dentures, which material is used?

For a final impression of complete dentures, rubber polysulfide is often the preferred choice due to its excellent properties. This material is known for its high dimensional stability and detailed accuracy, which are critical when creating complete dentures that must fit comfortably and function well in the patient’s mouth. Rubber polysulfide is also durable and has a good tear resistance, which ensures that it can capture the finer details of the oral anatomy without damaging the impression.

In contrast, agar impression material, while useful for specific applications, is less commonly used for complete dentures primarily due to its need for careful temperature management and its material properties, which may not provide the same level of dimensional stability as rubber polysulfide. Alginate, although frequently used for preliminary impressions because it is easy to mix and quick to set, does not possess the same level of accuracy and longevity needed for final impressions. Polyether is an alternative that provides good detail and stability, but rubber polysulfide is generally more favored in clinical practices for its balance of workability and precise impressions.