Improving Fit and Function: The Role of Silicone in Partial Impression Techniques

Achieving accuracy in a partial impression is essential for the success of removable prosthetics. A well-fitting denture depends on precise impressions that capture every contour of the oral structures, ensuring stability, comfort, and functionality. With advancements in dental materials, silicone has become the preferred choice for partial impression techniques due to its superior detail reproduction, dimensional stability, and ease of use.

At Modern Dentures, we understand that achieving a precise fit is paramount for both aesthetics and function. In this article, we explore how silicone-based materials enhance partial impression accuracy and improve patient outcomes.

Why Silicone is the Gold Standard for Partial Impressions

Traditional materials like alginate have long been used for partial impression procedures due to their affordability and ease of use. However, silicone-based impression materials provide significant advantages:

🔹 Exceptional Accuracy – Silicone captures even the smallest anatomical details, ensuring a superior fit for partial dentures. (British Dental Association, 2024)

🔹 Dimensional Stability – Unlike alginate, which can shrink or distort if not poured immediately, silicone retains its shape over time, making it ideal for multi-step impression processes. (Dental Health Organisation, 2024)

🔹 Tear Resistance – Silicone withstands deformation and tearing during removal, ensuring a reliable partial impression even in patients with deep undercuts.

🔹 Reduced Patient Discomfort – Its smooth consistency and ability to flow into fine details without excessive pressure enhance patient comfort during impression-taking. (Harvard Health, 2024)

Types of Silicone for Partial Impression Techniques

The choice of silicone depends on the specific requirements of the partial impression process. The two main types include:

🦷 Condensation-Cured Silicone (C-Silicone)

• Cost-effective with good flexibility.
• Requires immediate pouring due to shrinkage over time.

🦷 Addition-Cured Silicone (A-Silicone or Polyvinyl Siloxane – PVS)

• Highly accurate with minimal shrinkage.
• More dimensionally stable, allowing for delayed model pouring.
• Hydrophilic variants provide better flow and adaptability in moist environments. (NHS, 2024)

Enhancing Fit and Function with Silicone-Based Partial Impressions

Silicone materials help create more precise partial impressions, leading to better-fitting dentures. This improves:

✅ Retention & Stability – A well-adapted denture base reduces movement and discomfort.
✅ Bite Accuracy – Detailed impressions ensure proper occlusion, minimising the need for post-fitting adjustments.
✅ Long-Term Durability – Fewer relines and adjustments result in increased patient satisfaction.

Best Practices for Using Silicone in Partial Impression Techniques

To maximise the benefits of silicone impression materials, we recommend the following:

🔹 Use a Custom Tray – Prefabricated trays can cause distortions; custom trays improve the accuracy of partial impressions.
🔹 Select the Right Viscosity – A combination of light and heavy-body silicones ensures optimal flow and tissue adaptation.
🔹 Apply Correct Impression Techniques – Using a two-stage or monophase technique can improve accuracy and reduce errors.
🔹 Disinfect Properly – Silicone impressions should be disinfected with non-alcoholic solutions to maintain dimensional stability.

For dentists looking to optimise their partial impression techniques, watch the full video to find out my thoughts and what I recommend instead! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6droYKnrY0