HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

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Master HOSA Dental Terminology. Study with valuable resources including flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your dental terminology exam!

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Which of the following is used as an impression material?

Composite
Amalgam
Alginate
Silicon

The correct answer is: Alginate

Alginate is widely recognized as an effective impression material in dentistry. It is a water-soluble material derived from algae that sets quickly and is used to create accurate impressions of a patient's teeth and gums. Alginate is favored for its ease of use, affordability, and ability to capture fine details, making it ideal for various dental procedures, such as orthodontic assessments and fabricating study models. While composite and amalgam are commonly used in restorative dentistry for filling cavities and repairing teeth, they are not suitable for impressions as they do not have the necessary properties to capture the shape and detail of dental structures. Silicon, on the other hand, refers to a range of advanced impression materials that include polyvinyl siloxane and polyether, which are used for more precise impressions, particularly in cases requiring more detail than alginate can provide. However, in this context, alginate is a traditional and widely utilized choice due to its practicality and effectiveness in routine dental practice.