Polyvinylsiloxan

Polyvinylsiloxane, often abbreviated as PVS, is a type of silicone-based dental impression material. It belongs to the addition-cure silicone family, meaning that the polymerization reaction occurs through the addition of vinyl groups and hydride groups, forming stable siloxane bonds. This process results in a highly accurate and dimensionally stable impression, which is crucial for creating prosthetics, crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations.

PVS materials are known for their excellent hydrophilicity, allowing them to capture fine details in moist oral environments. They also exhibit low shrinkage upon setting and a predictable working and setting time, which are important factors for clinical success. PVS is available in various viscosities, ranging from very low (wash or detail) to very high (tray), allowing dentists to choose the appropriate material for specific applications. The setting reaction is typically triggered by a catalyst, which can be in the form of a paste or a liquid. The two components are mixed together, usually using an automatic mixing system or by hand, to initiate the polymerization process. Once mixed, the material is placed in the patient's mouth to capture the oral anatomy. The setting time is relatively short, and the impression can be removed once it has fully cured. The resulting impression is then used by dental laboratories to fabricate restorations with high precision.