Take the Stress Out of Dental Impressions

Even in the hands of an expert, it’s tough to overcome the obstacles introduced by an uncooperative, unpredictable impression material. On the other hand, a quality material keeps mess, errors, and the need for retakes to a minimum, maximizing clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction in the process. When it comes to the latter category, Reflection, a super-hydrophilic VPS impression material from Patterson Dental, checks all the boxes.

More Flexibility, Fewer Retakes

Thanks to optimal physical characteristics, Reflection provides the precision and predictability needed to capture accurate, distortion-free impressions in a single take, reducing hassle and stress for clinicians and patients.

With an addition-curing vinyl silicone formula delivered via automix dispensing cartridges, Reflection is indicated for any type of crown and bridge, denture, partial denture, reline, or bite registration impression. To meet even more clinical needs, Patterson offers light, medium, and heavy body versions of the product—as well as a monophase option—each available in regular and fast set times.

Convenience & Comfort

Equipped with the fast-setting light and heavy body formulations, Varo Boyer, DDS, MICOI, of Simi Valley, CA, recently put Reflection through its paces for everything from impressions for routine crowns to implant-supported restorations.

“For capturing the margins, the light body is best, and for all other areas, the heavy body works well,” he reported. “I also use a combination of both to capture either the restorative impression or the implant soft tissues and impression coping.”

As for why Dr. Boyer appreciates Reflection’s fast set and working times, he points to 2 reasons: chair time and patient comfort. “The longer the chair is occupied, the less productive the office is,” he explained. Additionally, he noted that the ability to work quickly is especially beneficial for treating patients who struggle with gag reflex-related discomfort.

Dr. Boyer described Reflection’s “easy, smooth, and mess-free" dispensing and handling as another advantage. “Combined with the fast set time, it has improved my efficiency and patient satisfaction,” he said.

Adam Beno, DMD, who practices in Fort Myers, FL, observed similar benefits after using the light and medium body viscosities in his denture and reline impression procedures. “Reflection was not difficult to dispense, and the reduced working and setting times allowed for increased efficiency with all impressions,” he shared. Like Dr. Boyer, he found that the fast set option “provides the quality results we demand, while creating a better experience for the patient.”

Accuracy in Any Condition

Of course, the ultimate test of an impression material is how accurately it captures anatomical detail, especially in challenging oral conditions. According to both doctors, Reflection passed with flying colors. Where other VPS materials can tear or distort, Dr. Boyer found that Reflection demonstrates remarkable resilience. As a result, he was able to achieve accurate impressions on the first try in traditionally “tough” cases, such as those involving very thin chamfer margins or minimal clearance.

Dr. Boyer was equally “impressed” by the detail captured with Reflection. “Even in areas with saliva or blood contamination, my margins came out clear,” he shared, confirming the product’s super-hydrophilic nature.

Dr. Beno’s experience mirrored this, as he explained, “Reflection is a high-quality material that captured all necessary details with a single impression. Combining the light body and medium body consistently produced the accurate results needed for a well-fitting final restoration.”

An Easy Way to Elevate Patient Care

By bringing more efficiency and predictability to every procedure, Patterson Reflection VPS impression material helps dentists and their patients avoid the usual pain points associated with taking impressions. Ultimately, this makes it a simple solution that goes a long way toward elevating patient care.

As Dr. Boyer affirmed, “Having a material that is accurate, sets quickly, and does not distort in challenging environments is paramount to being efficient and delivering high-quality dentistry. With Reflection, I can be assured that all these goals will be accomplished.”