From crowns and bridges to implants, study models, trays, and more - impressions are one of the most common procedures in any modern dental practice.
But with so many different applications for impressions you’ll need different materials in your arsenal, as each has its nuances. Two of the most common materials at your disposal are alginate vs silicone impression materials. Or, put a different way, alginate vs PVS material.
Each has its place, and knowing when to use one or the other is essential. Our dental alginate impression material is one of our most popular for a reason. It’s great for diagnostic models, whitening trays, and orthodontics. It’s affordable, sets fast, easy to use, and keeps patients comfortable.
That said, it does have a bit lower dimensional stability than other materials, and won’t produce super accurate fine details quite as well as you may need in some scenarios. That’s where silicone materials, like vinyl polysiloxane impression material, come into play.
It can capture fine margins with incredible detail and it has exceptional dimensional stability, a long shelf life, and is suitable for multiple pours. This, as you can imagine, comes at a higher price point, and there’s a bit more that goes into using it correctly.
Learn more about the differences in these impression materials below, as we’ll compare and contrast alginate vs silicone side by side. But just know that My DDS Supply is your one-stop shop for the materials you need to keep your practice running and ensure favorable outcomes.
So, shop our selection now and stock up on everything on your shopping list. Or, get in touch with our customer service team to learn more about our materials and which is best for you!
| Comparison Factor | Alginate Impression Material | Silicone Impression Material (PVS) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Use Cases | Study models, whitening trays, orthodontic records | Final impressions for crowns, bridges, implants, dentures |
| Accuracy & Detail Capture | Captures general anatomy, not suitable for fine margins | High-definition capture of margins, sulcus, and subgingival detail |
| Dimensional Stability | Must be poured within 10–15 minutes | Stable for multiple days; suitable for multiple pours and lab transport |
| Patient Comfort | Soft, flexible, quick setting; easier tray removal | Slightly firmer; newer formulas improve taste and texture |
| Working/Setting Time Options | Fast-set and regular-set only | Wide range of viscosities and setting times available |
| Cost per Use | Lower cost per impression; great for high-volume tasks | Higher cost per use; offsets with reduced remakes and accuracy |
| Reusability | Single-use; cannot repour impressions | Can be repoured multiple times without distortion |
| Ease of Training | Simple to teach; widely used in educational settings | Requires technique training, but integrates well with lab workflows |
| Ideal for In-House Use | Yes — if models can be poured immediately | Yes — especially when lab involvement is needed |
| Lab Compatibility | Limited; requires immediate model pouring | Highly compatible; ideal for shipping and complex cases |
Overview of Alginate Impression Materials
Alginate is a hydrophilic, irreversible hydrocolloid impression material widely used for preliminary dental impressions. That’s quite the mouthful, so let’s simplify things a bit. What is dental alginate made of?
It’s derived from naturally occurring seaweed compounds. It reacts with water to form a gel-like consistency that captures the general shape of teeth and surrounding soft tissue.
Now, what are alginate impressions used for in dentistry? Study models, orthodontic records, mouthguards, and whitening trays are the most common applications.
The reason this material is chosen over others, though, is how easy it is to use. It mixes quickly, sets fast, and is generally well-tolerated by patients. It’s also cost-effective, making it a practical choice for high-volume procedures where extreme detail isn't required.
But, there are plenty of reasons you may be looking for an alginate alternative. The impression has to be poured quickly once the material sets, usually within 10 to 15 minutes. Otherwise, dimensional distortion could set in.
Alginate also lacks the tear resistance and fine detail needed for margin-level accuracy, and it's not ideal for procedures that require multiple pours or long-term storage. That’s where the other half of the alginate vs PVS impression comparison comes into play.
Overview of Silicone Impression Materials
When we talk about silicone impression materials, there’s really one in particular we focus on: vinyl polysiloxane (PVS). It’s also commonly abbreviated as VPS.
But whether you call it PVS vs VPS impression material, it’s the same thing. These addition-cured elastomers designed for high-precision dental impressions.
They’re popular in both restorative and prosthetic dentistry because of their excellent dimensional stability, high tear resistance, and ability to capture intricate anatomical detail for the most accurate end result possible.
You’ll find silicones in a range of viscosities, from light body for syringe application to heavy body for tray loading. They also come in different set times to suit different clinical workflows. They’re really versatile in this sense.
Another major benefit of silicone impression materials is they can be stored and poured days later after curing them, without the risk of significant distortion that alginate is notorious for. This is a great use case for scenarios involving lab work or transportation.
Still, the cost of silicone materials can be a dealbreaker for some practices with tighter budget constraints. You also need to handle the material much more carefully to avoid bubbles, especially in subgingival areas.
But once you get the hang of it and train your staff on proper technique, it’s a powerful material for the right procedures. It’ll be your go-to when long-term accuracy and fine detail matter.
Alginate vs Silicone Impression (PVS): Which is the Better Material?
As you may already know, it’s really not about one being inherently “better” than the other across the board when we compare alginate vs PVS materials. It comes down to picking the right material for the right circumstances.
Each has strengths that make it more appropriate in certain clinical contexts. Understanding these differences allows you to use each material to its full advantage. Here’s what you need to know…
Accuracy and Detail Reproduction
You really can’t beat silicone impression materials, particularly PVS, when it comes to high-fidelity detail. They’re as good as it gets at capturing sharp margins, fine textures, and subgingival anatomy.
This is why PVS is used for crown, bridge, and implant work where there’s no room for error. But the stakes are a bit lower in diagnostic models, bleaching trays, and orthodontic appliances, and alginate works great here.
It’s a better material for broader contours and general anatomy as you still get solid results at a more affordable price point with less complexity in mixing and taking the impression.
Dimensional Stability Over Time
Silicone brings exceptional dimensional stability to your impressions, which is really important in lab cases that involve shipping, delayed pouring, or multiple model pours from a single impression.
Silicone can hold its shape for days, sometimes weeks, without significant distortion after it has set - even if you don’t pour it right away.
Alginate has a far shorter window. It needs to be poured quickly, typically within 10 to 15 minutes. Otherwise, the impression will start shrinking and distorting as it loses water. This is fine in some cases, but it does make for a tighter timeline for model production.
Patient Comfort and Tray Removal
The goal is always to keep patients as comfortable as possible, but let’s be honest - taking an impression in their mouth is rarely an enjoyable experience from their perspective. This is where alginate actually has an edge over silicone materials.
Alginate’s soft, flexible texture is well tolerated by patients. It also sets fast, reducing chair time and helping with gag reflex management. Tray removal tends to be more seamless since the material isn’t as rigid as others, too.
On the other hand, silicone can be slightly firmer once set, especially in heavy-body formulations. Some patients may feel more resistance during removal. That said, modern silicones are often flavored and designed with smoother textures to minimize discomfort.
Working and Setting Time Options
Both alginate vs silicone impression materials can be sourced in fast-set and regular-set versions. Still, silicone is known for being more flexible in this regard. You can select working and setting times to match your case type or clinician speed.
This can be really beneficial in complex cases where margin capture is time-sensitive. You just won’t get that level of customization with most alginate materials. Fast-set is useful for quick impressions, and regular-set gives you more working time, but the variation is fairly limited.
Cost and Waste Considerations
Here’s another area where you’ll see an advantage for alginate vs silicone impression materials: it’s the most economical choice. It’s less expensive per use, which is why it’s great for high-volume procedures where precision margins aren’t a huge priority.
Just keep in mind that alginate can’t be repoured and must be used quickly. Unused or delayed impressions may lead to waste. It’s also important to note that the choice between alginate vs silicone impression materials should never be made based on cost alone. Patient outcomes matter most.
Silicone is more costly upfront, but its stability and accuracy can reduce remakes, repeat appointments, and wasted lab materials. Many dental professionals find that it balances out in procedures with higher detail sensitivity.
Ease of Training and Workflow Integration
We have a ton of great resources on mixing alginate and how to take alginate impressions. The risk of taking a bad alginate impression is much lower since it’s so easy to work with.
No need for extensive equipment or advanced technique. It’s great for quick-start training and delegation to team members. On the other hand, silicone has a bit steeper of a learning curve. There may be some trial and error for timing, layering techniques, and proper tray loading.
But once you get the hang of it, silicone fits smoothly into restorative workflows and offers consistent results across a wider range of procedures. It’s an essential material, so you better get used to it!
Suitability for Specific Procedures
At the end of the day, choosing between alginate vs silicone impression materials mostly comes down to use cases. This chart does a good job of demonstrating where each works best:
| Use Alginate When: | Use Silicone (PVS) When: |
|---|---|
| You need a fast, affordable solution for study models, whitening trays, or ortho records | You’re taking final impressions for crowns, bridges, dentures, or implants |
| You’re working in-house and can pour models immediately | The case requires high detail or the ability to pour multiple models from one impression |
| You need a material that’s easy to use across different staff members with minimal training | You need more time for processing or plan to send the impression to an external lab |
This really is the key takeaway from today’s conversation on alginate vs PVS: your practice will need both of these materials inventoried so you’re prepared for ANY procedure. The good news is you can find both right here at My DDS Supply.
Stock Up on All the Essentials for Taking Dental Impressions at My DDS Supply!
My DDS Supply is your factory-direct eBay store for all the most common dental supplies. Professionals trust us for everything they need to keep their practice running smoothly, from impression materials to dental impression trays, gloves and masks, you name it.
Our alginate selection includes both fast-set and regular-set options that offer smooth mixing, excellent handling, and reliable results. Meanwhile, our PVS collection features a range of viscosities and set times from light body syringes to heavy body tray material so you can tailor the impression to your workflow and case complexity.
Aside from the materials themselves you’ll enjoy competitive pricing, quick shipping, and a seamless online shopping experience. We also back every order with real customer support - no ticket queues, just people who know dental products inside and out.
So whether you're stocking up for daily use or sourcing supplies for a complex case, we’ve got the materials and service to help you get it right the first time. Shop now or reach out for one-on-one support!
Wrapping Up Our Alginate vs PVS Comparison
Starting with the right material can be the difference between a good vs bad dental impression. Hopefully this guide has left you with complete clarity on the differences between alginate vs silicone impression materials.
Alginate and silicone impression materials both bring value to the modern dental practice - just in different ways. In this sense, it’s not about alginate vs PVS being better than the other. You need both!
Alginate is quick, easy, and perfect for in-house impressions. Silicone delivers the precision and long-term stability needed for lab work and final restorations.
But either way, you need to make sure you’re sourcing materials you can count on to help you achieve optimal patient outcomes. That’s what matters most in the end, after all. You can’t afford to settle for anything less than the best when your reputation is on the line.
From fast trays to final impressions, we have the materials you need without the markup. Your next patient success story starts with the right supply, so source smarter with My DDS Supply today and see why the industry’s leading professionals trust us!