Traditionally, we manually mix in a bowl with a spatula. We mix the correct amount of powder and water into a homogeneous mixture. We fill a suitable impression tray and the result is an outstanding detailed impression of the oral cavity. The manual mixing can be replaced by an automatic mixer which increases the process control, reduces air entrapments and results in even smoother impressions. This means that the mixing procedure but also the application procedure is strong related the final result of the impressions.
Over the years, we cherished cooperations with many universities to find scientific evidence of the quality characteristics. From the relationship with ACTA university, we learned that changing the mixing ratio into ‘more powder – less water’ can increase the viscosity which is the ideal consistency for impressions of edentulous jaws. This ‘high viscosity alginate’ technique was improved by cooperations in Switzerland. Here we learned that when we combine the high body alginate Cavex CA37 Normal in the tray and use Cavex Cream Normal in a syringe with wide orifice (5-7 mm) for direct application in the mouth, we have the ultimate sandwich technique for edentulous impressions.
In recent years, we have worked with universities in South America and Asia. In these economically sensitive markets, alginate impression materials are preferred over the more expensive silicone impression materials for crown and bridge impressions. Here, a high-body alginate, Cavex CA37 Normal, is used in a conventional tray, while the flowable, highly accurate Cavex Cream Fast (or Normal) is applied using a syringe with a smaller orifice (2-3 mm). This combination results in a sandwich technique that can compete with silicone impressions. Economical and environmentally friendly!
For both syringe techniques, edentulous and dentate, we prepared a technical handout which can be found at www.cavex.nl Besides, your contact in Cavex can advise on the used materials and syringes.