Voids on Margins

Blood and saliva contamination around preparation +

Rinse and dry the prepared area properly and stop any bleeding by using appropriate retraction/hemostatic agents. Liquid hemostatic agents and pastes based on aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate or iron sulfate are suitable.

Improper syringe technique +

Keep the mix tip permanently immersed in the paste to avoid the formation of air bubbles. Apply a liberal amount of wash material into the sulcus. Start from the bottom up and cover the whole abutment tooth with syringing material. Always keep the tip in close proximity to the surface.

Working time exceeded, flowability already impaired +

Select material with sufficient working time and pay attention to storage temperature. Working times are reduced due to higher temperatures of the product, while intra-oral setting times might be longer if the temperature of the product is lower.

Air bubbles in elastomer syringe or intra-oral syringe +

Bleed cartridge prior to loading syringe.

Tray not seated properly +

Slowly (approx. 5 seconds) insert the loaded tray into the mouth parallel to the long axes of the prepared teeth, and hold it in place without applying pressure. Maxillary arch: Seat the impression straight up. Make sure the handle is aligned with the patient‘s midline. Always hold the impression tray in the premolar area for stability. Mandibular arch: Seat the impression straight down over the arch while pulling out the patient‘s cheek. Make sure the tray handle is aligned with the patient‘s midline. Apply passive pressure in the premolar areas with your thumbs for stability.

Storage at elevated temperature +

Store impression material at room temperature. Usually, times given in the manufacturers’ instructions for use are valid for a storage temperature of 23 °C/74 °F. Working times are reduced due to higher temperatures of the product, while intra-oral setting times might be longer if the temperature of the product is lower.