Product Evaluation

KETTENBACH

Silginat

An elastomeric A silicone VPS impression material developed specifi cally for alginate applications, Silginat features exceptional dimensional stability and can be repoured

Dentists expect certain features from impression materials, and in Dr. Pearl Zadeh’s case, those expectations are an “easy-to-use, all-purpose impression material that is dimensionally stable, does not require an immediate pour, and can be capable of repour.” While this doesn’t seem like a lot to ask, many dentists have come to realize that finding an impression material with the stability that allows repouring is an uphill battle. Thankfully, that was not the case for Dr. Zadeh when she tried Kettenbach’s Silginat VPS impression material.

Developed specifically for alginate applications, Silginat is an elastomeric A silicone alginate alternative with a medium viscosity that creates precise impressions that can be stored for weeks and poured multiple times. Especially impressed by the material’s dimensional stability, Dr. Zadeh said she uses Silginat for “so many applications,” including “diagnostic casts and as a preliminary material to make provisionals for crown and bridge” cases. She appreciates the material’s ease of use, which she described as “not operator dependent,” and said her “assistants could use it with the same accuracy that I was able to achieve.” When asked if Silginat met all her expectations, she replied, “Completely 100%!”

Ease of Use, Handling, & Taste

With a highly thixotropic formula that flows properly under pressure, Silginat is easy to use and handle. It is available in a strawberry scent or unscented in 1:1 50-mL cartridges and in 5:1 380-mL cartridges for use in most automatic dispensing and mixing machines. Calling Silginat “very easy to use and patient friendly,” Dr. Robert Klein said it is an “easier and quicker” method of taking impressions. Dr. Philip Harper agreed that it is “quick and easy” to use and said his hygienist “thought it was easier for bleach tray impressions.” Calling it “very easy to work with,” Dr. Lourdes Albandoz described Silginat as a “faster setting and strong material,” and Dr. Louis Sterling “liked the fact that the material is very thixotropic and cannot be mixed improperly.” When asked about possible improvements, Dr. Zadeh said she “would like to see a universal tip” or have more tips provided in the pack.

Several evaluators weighed in on the patient experience, with Dr. Rita Sabaitis stating that her patients “responded positively to the comfort and taste,” and Dr. Paul Trombly saying the “pleasant smell/taste” contributed to a positive and comfortable patient experience. “This impacted my chairside experience in a positive way,” agreed Dr. Ricardo Ochinang, who said the strawberry scent was a nice addition that received positive feedback from patients.

Stability & Tear Resistance

Silginat features a short intraoral setting time of 90 seconds, allowing an anatomical impression to be prepared in just 3 minutes. The material scores a 45 on the Shore A Hardness Scale, resulting in stable impressions that resist tearing.

Hoping to find a precise alginate alternative, Dr. Klein determined that Silginat produces “precise impressions that can be poured multiple times without tearing.” Similar feedback was shared by Dr. Sabaitis, who said, “The impressions were poured up multiple times over the course of a few days and the accuracy was consistent.” Dr. Sterling was pleased to fi nd that “it is easily poured several times without distorting or tearing the impression,” and Dr. Albandoz concluded, “Silginat has a good quality that makes it strong and tear-resistant.”

“The impressions made with this material came out well with good detail and with noticeably fewer tears and voids.”
—Ricardo Ochinang, DMD San Angelo, TX

Impression Quality

Silginat produces precise impressions for a wide range of applications, including anatomical and opposing jaw impressions, orthodontic work, temporary crown and bridge preparation, case study models, and fabrication of models for splint construction.

“This product has given excellent details on impressions,” said Dr. Reena Gupta, who obtained “excellent results” when using Silginat to take an impression for a bridge with sublingual prep. Dr. Klein was able to take an accurate impression of maxillary anterior teeth for a diagnostic wax-up for temporary veneers, and said, “The patient was very happy.” Calling the material “excellent when fabricating Flexite removable partial dentures,” Dr. Trombly said it also created “excellent temporary crowns with great anatomical clarity.”

“The impressions made with this material came out well with good detail and with noticeably fewer tears and voids,” said Dr. Ochinang, who explained that Silginat’s “heavier body compared to similar products seems to lessen the creation of voids.” Impressed with the “quality of the impression and durability with multiple pours,” Dr. Sterling said the material “supplied an excellent impression for both pours” when used to obtain records and a working model for an ortho appliance.

Overall Satisfaction

Dr. Gupta praised Silginat’s “ease of use and excellent impressions,” and Dr. Trombly said it handles well, is comfortable for patients, and sets quickly. Noting that both “staff and patients recommend continuing to use this product,” Dr. Klein concluded, “Silginat worked very well in my practice as a replacement for alginate impressions.”

Takeaways

• Medium viscosity, elastomeric A silicone VPS impression material developed specifically for alginate applications
• Produces stable impressions that resist tearing
• Long-term storage stability allows repeat pouring 
• Available in 50-mL cartridge and a 5:1 jumbo cartridge with/without a strawberry scent
• Short intraoral setting time of 90 seconds with full impression prepared in 3 minutes