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Elastomeric impression material (PVS)
Also called: polyvinyl siloxane, VPS, silicone impression, polyether
Precise rubbery impression materials for crowns and bridges.
Elastomers are rubber-like impression materials used when great accuracy is needed, as for crowns. Polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) is very stable and can be poured days later. Polyether is stiff and absorbs water. Most come in automix cartridges.
How to spot it
- Dual cartridges in a dispensing gun with mixing tips, often in two colors for heavy and light body.
What it is used for
- Load the gun, attach a new mixing tip, and hand off or fill the tray as directed.
Safety and care
- Some latex gloves (sulfur-cured) can stop PVS from setting; use the gloves your office specifies.
- Disinfect impressions with a compatible intermediate-level disinfectant before sending them to the lab.
Related
Sources: Boyd LD, Mallonee LF, Wyche CJ. Wilkins' Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, 14th ed. Jones & Bartlett, 2024, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17), Wiwatwarrapan C, Bukkavesa B, Siri-Upathum C, Suwanmala P. The Effect of Gamma-ray Vulcanized Latex Gloves on the Setting of Putty Poly(vinyl Siloxane) Impression Materials. Chulalongkorn University Dental Journal 19(3), 1996, Journal of Applied Oral Science (2011). Effects of sulfur-based hemostatic agents and gingival retraction cords handled with latex gloves on the polymerization of polyvinyl siloxane impression materials. PMC3973465