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The Historical Evolution of Dental Impression Materials
Ioannis Papadiochos1, Sofia Papadiochou2,3, Ioannis Emmanouil4
1Athens, Greece.
Journal of the History of Dentistry
|August 5, 2017
Summary
Dental impression materials evolved from beeswax to advanced elastomers, improving prosthetic restoration accuracy. Continuous innovation aims for the ideal material, though none exists yet.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Dental Materials Science
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- The need for accurate oral tissue capture for prosthetic restorations emerged in the mid-1800s.
- Early impression materials included beeswax, gutta-percha, thermoplastic resins, and plaster of Paris.
- Key innovations include dental trays, double impression techniques, and functional impression concepts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive historical review of dental impression materials.
- To trace the evolution of materials used for capturing oral tissues.
- To highlight significant advancements in dental impression technology.
Main Methods:
- Historical literature review.
- Analysis of key milestones in dental material development.
- Examination of the impact of new materials on prosthodontic outcomes.
Main Results:
- The development of dental impression materials spans from the mid-1800s to the present.
- Elastomeric impression materials significantly enhanced accuracy and dimensional stability in the 20th century.
- Despite advancements, the ideal dental impression material remains under development.
Conclusions:
- Dental impression materials have a rich history of innovation.
- Elastomers represent a major leap in impression accuracy and restoration quality.
- Ongoing research seeks to develop superior impression materials for dentistry.
