Which impression material is best for creating a working arch for dentures?

The best impression material for creating a working arch for dentures is elastomeric materials, commonly referred to as elastomers. These materials are favored for their excellent detail reproduction, dimensional stability, and flexibility, which are crucial when capturing the intricate contours of the oral cavity and the gums. Elastomers, like polyvinyl siloxane, are noted for their ability to accurately replicate the hard and soft tissues, making them ideal for creating precise working models needed for denture construction.

Using elastomeric materials allows for improved accuracy in fitting dentures, as they can capture fine details and withstand the forces involved during the impression-taking process. This results in more comfortable and better-fitting dentures for patients.

In contrast, while materials like alginate can capture impressions, they do not offer the same level of detail and dimensional stability that elastomers provide. Alginate is typically more suitable for preliminary impressions rather than definitive ones when precise fitting is essential. Agar, although it can be used for certain applications, may not be as commonly employed in modern denture practices due to its inconsistency and complexity in handling. Polyvinyl siloxane, while technically an elastomer, is often considered as a specific type of elastomer within its own category but tends to be part of