'This material is based on a natural substance extracted from certain brown seaweed.

The substance is called anhydro-beta-dymanuronic acid or alginic acid

Irreversible Hydrocolloid (Alginate)

Indications
study models To costum tray removable fixed partial dentures
framework

Phillips Science of Dental Materials 1996

Physical Properties of Alginate

Its most important characteristic is its ability to rebound from stresses.

Composition of Alginate
Alginate is classified as irreversible hydrocolloid. Hydrocolloid because it consists of particles of a gelatinous (colloidal) state in water (hydro) and irreversible because once it has jelled it cannot be returned to a liquid solution.

 The alginate particles are compromised of:

Salts of alginic acid, a product of marine kelp An activator, usually calium sulfate A retarder such as sodium phosphate

An inert filler to reduce stickiness, produce a smooth texture and add strength. The purpose of the diatomaceous earth is to act as filler to increase the strength and stiffness of the alginate gel, to produce a smooth texture, and to ensure the formation of a firm gel surface that is not tacky. It also aids in forming the sol by dispersing the alginate powder particles in the water.

Flavoring

 . Zinc oxide also acts as a filler and has some influence on the physical properties and setting time of the gel Calcium sulfate dihydrate is generally used as the reactor. A retarder is also added to control the setting time. A fluol-ide, such as potassium titanium fluoride, is added as an accelerator for the setting of the stone to be poured in the impression to ensure a hard, dense, cast surface.

 Gelation Process 'I'he typical sol-gel reaction can be described simply as a reaction of soluble alginate with calcium sulf~%taen d the formation of 1'11 illsoluble calcium alginate gel. Structurally, calcium ions replacc the sodiunl or potassium ions of two adjacent For example, the following reaction will first take place:

 When the supply of trisodium phosphate is exhausted, the calcium ions begin to react with the potassium alginate to produce calcium alginate as follows: K,,, Alg + n CaSO, 4 11 K,SO, + Ca, Alg (2) The third salt is known as a relarder. The amount of retarder is adjusted to provide the proper setting time In general, if approximately 16 g of the powder is mixed with 38 ml, of water, gelntion will occu~i n about 3 to 4 min at room temperature. The setting time must be sufficient to allow the dentis1 to mix the material, load the tray, and place it in the patient's mouth.

Controlling Setting Time

In the clinical selting, it is tempting to alter the setting time by changing the W/P ratio or the mixing time. This slight modification can have mallzed effects on the p~upestieosf the gel, the leal strength, and the elctsticity Thus the selling tlnie is best cgulated by the amount of retarder 'ldded during the manufactuli~l,o plocess Normally, the rna~lufdctu~erms ,ike both fast-setting alginnte (1.5 to 3 min) ,~n d no~mal-settinga lginate (3 to 4 5 min) to plovide clinici,lns the oppor~unityt o choose the matelials that hest suit their working style

 The clinician, however, cdii safely influence the setting tlme by altering [he temperature of the water It is evident from figure 9-20 that the higher the temperature, the shorter is the setting time (i e., a I-mi11 reduction in settling time occurs for each 10 <: of temper,lture inclease In such a cmc, the ternpelatuie of the mixing water should be controlled caretully within a degree or two of a standa~dte mperature, usually 20" C, so that a constant and reliable setting time can be obtained I

 In hot weather, special precautions should be taken to provide cool water for mixing so that premature gelation does not occur. It may even be necessary to precool the mixing bowl and spatula, especially when small amounts of impression material are to be mixed. At higher temperatures, fast-setting materials should be used under carefully controlled conditions or the working time may be exceeded

Advantages
Inexpensive Easy to use Hydrophilic
Like moisture, blood, fluids

Stock trays

Phillips Science of Dental Materials 1996

Disadvantages
Tear strength is low Dimensionally unstable
immediate pour single cast

Accuracy is low
unacceptable for fixed prosthesis

High permanent deformation Difficult to disinfect

Phillips Science of Dental Materials 1996

Manipulation
The first step of manipulation is to prepale a p~o p e rn ixtule of water and powder. 'The measured powder is sifted into premeasured water that has already been poured into a clean rubber bowl

 A vigorous figure-8 motion is best, with the mix being swiped or stropped against the sides of the rubber-mixing bowl with intelmittent rotations (1 80") of the spatula to press out air bubbles. All of the powder must be dissolved. The mixing time is particularly important; 45 sec to 1 min is generally sufficient, depending on the brand and type of alginate (fast-set or regular-set)

 The result should be a smooth, creamy mixture that does not readily drip off the spatula when it is raised from the bowl A variety of mechanical devices ale also available for mixing the alginate materials l he~r principal benefits are convenience, speed, and elimination of human errors.

 Clean equipment is important becausc many of the problems and ~cldtedfa ilures ,uc att~ibutedto dirty o~c ontaminated mixing or handling devices. <:ontnmindnts, such as small amounts of gypsurn left in the bowl fiom a previous mix ot plastel or stone, can accelelate the set It is best to usc sepalate bowls f o ~mi xing alginnte and stone. Ideally, the powder should be weighed and not measured volumetric~~llbyy means of a scoop, as many manufactu~er s suggest However, unless a g~o ssly inco~ rect method is used for scoop~llgt he powder, the vari;ltions in individual mixes should have no rneasurdble ellcct on the physical properties

 Alginate is very weak; therefore the tray must fit the patient's arch so that there is a sufficient bulk of material. The thickness of the alginate impression between the tray and the tissues should be at least 3 mm.

Setting Time of Alginate

Since alginate reacts or gels chemically, temperature is a major factor in the setting time. The colder the temperature of the water the longer it takes to set; conversely, the higher the water temperature the faster it sets. Ideal water temperature is 68 degrees or room temperature.

 When ideal conditions exists a fast-setting type of alginate will gel in 1 to 2 minutes and a normal type gels in 2 to 4.5 minutes. The fastsetting type is the most widely used.

 As can be noted from Table 3-10, the compressive strength in this case actually doubles durirlg the first 4 ~ n i naf ier gelation, but it did not illcrease app~ecinblyaf ter the f i~s4t -mi11p eriod. Most dlginate materials irnprove in elasticity over time, which mi~lirnizes distortion of the rnaterial during implession removal, thus permitting

Strength

Maximum gel strength is required to prevent fracture and to ensure elastic recovery ol the impression upon its rcrnoval froin the mouth. All manipulative factors under the control of the clinician affect the gel strength. For ex'anple, if too much or too little watei- is used in mixing, the final gel will be weakened, making it less elastic The proper W/1' ratio should be employed as specified by the manufacturer. Insufficient spatulation results in failure of the ingredients to dissolve sufficiently so that the chemical reactions can proceed uniformly throughout the mass. Overmixing breaks up the calcium alginake gel network as it is forming and reduces its strength. Manufacturers' directions supplied with the product should be followed in all respects.

Accuracy
Most alginate impression materials are not capable of reproducing the finer details that are observed in impressions with other elastomeric impression materials. Manufacturers have attempted to increase the concentration of alginate to make the material more accurate. However, this does not increase the dimensional stability of the material. The roughness of the impression surface is sufficient to cause distortion at the margins of prepared teeth. Nevertheless, nlginate materials are sufficiently accurate that they can be used for making impressions for rernov,~ble partial dentures.

Biocompatibility
No known chemical or allergic reactions are associated with hydrocolloid impressions. The most lilzely side effect is thermal injury from reversible hydrocolloid as a result of improper tempering or faulty equipment during impression making. Inhaling fine airborne particles from alginate impression material can cause silicosis and pulmonary hypersensitivity. Dustless alginate is preferred to minimize this lisk.

Dimensional Stability
Alginate has a tendency, after it sets to lose (syneresis) or absorb (imbibition) water, depending on the atomosheric conditions surrounding it.If conditions are dry it loses water & shrinks; if immersed in water, it imbibes moisture or swells.

Advantages of Alginate
It makes an accurate impression It allows for undercuts The process is not time consuming It is easy to work with, has good viscosity & is low in adhesive qualities It causes no great pain to the patient Inexpensive to the dentist Requires little armamentarium

Evaluation Criteria
All detail is reproduced, including the complete peripheral turn and a portion of the retromolar pads or tuberosities Detail is sharp, not blurred or indistinct Free of voids in critical areas Free of large folds of alginate No areas where alginate has pulled away from the tray

 Free of rips and tears except in interproxinal areas Alginate thoroughly covers the tray, no tray visible through alginate Free of bulges or depressions that indicate a sub-surface bubble Alginate is smooth, not sponge-like