Whether you’re taking impressions to fit a permanent crown or a retainer, the material you use can make a world of difference not just in your workflow and productivity, but the accuracy of those impressions - and thus, the overall outcome for your patient.
There are so many different impression materials you have access to, like dental alginate, polyether, vinyl polysiloxane (VPS), and polyvinyl siloxane (PVS).
But what’s the difference between those last two - PVS vs VPS impression material? We’re here to help you find out with a detailed overview to help you source the optimal material for your practice. Spoiler alert: they’re the exact same thing!
Learn more about why there are two different names for the same material below and the unique benefits this material has over the alternatives.
But no matter your impression material of choice, you can count on My DDS Supply! From VPS dental impression material to dental alginate impression material, our selection is easy to work with and ensures favorable patient outcomes.
What’s the Difference Between PVS vs VPS Impression Material?
So, what’s the difference between VPS vs PVS impression material? As we teased from the start, there actually isn’t a difference at all.
So many dental professionals just getting started in the industry are confused as to why there are different names to describe the exact same thing, so we’re here to clear the air.
Both terms refer to polyvinyl siloxane (PVS), a type of silicone impression material that’s become one of the go-to materials in dentistry. The term VPS stands for vinyl polysiloxane, which is simply another name for the same material.
Whether it's labeled PVS or VPS, you're getting the same product with identical properties and uses. So where do the different names come from? It’s believed to be nothing more than regional differences, or perhaps branding.
Either way, you’re getting a material that’s highly regarded for its precision in capturing accurate dental impressions. This is thanks to its flexibility, dimensional stability, and tear resistance - it offers a balance between these three important factors that professionals love.
Any simple or complex restorative case, such as crowns, bridges, implants, and full arch impressions, can benefit from VPS vs PVS impression material.
It holds its shape exceptionally well over time so you can trust you’re sending out an accurate impression for a favorable outcome. But, how does it stack up to the other options you have at your disposal?
Comparison With Other Impression Materials in Dentistry
VPS, or PVS, is just one of the many materials you have to choose from. Others have their place as well, but does it make sense to have multiple options, or do you really only need to choose one impression material for all the procedures you perform in your practice?
We’ll compare and contrast PVS vs VPS impression material against the rest of the field, from alginate to polyether, abs help you source the optimal solution for your unique needs.
Alginate Impression Material
This is one of our most popular products here at My DDS Supply, and for good reason. Alginate is perfect for basic impression needs, like preliminary impressions, orthodontic models, or for making study casts. It’s cost-effective, easy to use, and works fast.
However, some dentists find that alginate lacks the precision, tear resistance, and dimensional stability of PVS/VPS. It’s more prone to distortion and must be poured immediately, as it dries out and shrinks quickly.
PVS/VPS, on the other hand, retains its accuracy for a longer period, making it ideal for final impressions. You can learn more about how to mix alginate or how to avoid taking a bad alginate impression in our blog.
Polyether Impression Material
Polyether is another high-precision material that dentists rely on for more complex cases like crown and bridge work. Its excellent flow properties capture the tooth’s surface in great detail.
However, polyether is stiffer than PVS/VPS, so some patients might complain about discomfort during removal. It’s also a more challenging material to work with in situations demanding flexibility.
It’s also worth pointing out that polyether is more sensitive to moisture, which can affect its performance in wet environments. In contrast, PVS/VPS has hydrophilic properties so it excels in moist oral conditions. It’s also more flexible and easier to work with in general, for that matter.
Condensation Silicone Impression Material
Last but not least, we have one of the earliest silicone-based impression materials - condensation silicone. While it’s still used in some practices run by professionals who have been in the game for many decades, newer professionals have replaced it with PVS/VPS.
This is because condensation silicone has lagged behind the innovations in other materials, like VPS vs PVS impression material or even alginate and polyether.
One example of this is its dimensional instability. It has a habit of shrinking over time, which can cause inaccuracies in the impression process - leading to frustrating retakes that you as a professional and your patient would prefer to avoid.
Elevate Your Practice’s Productivity and Patient Outcomes With Impression Material at My DDS Supply!
My DDS Supply is your one-stop shop for impression materials, from PVS vs VPS impression material to dental alginate impression material.
We also have the tools and other supplies you need to streamline your impression-taking process, like dental mixing tips and dental impression trays.
You can trust us as your supplier for everything from temporary dental cement to dental putty, dental gauze, bite registration trays, and more. This is your factory-direct eBay store for all the essentials that keep your practice running smoothly.
Professionals prefer to source from us because we offer exceptionally high-quality products from reputable manufacturers at unbeatable prices with world-class customer service every step of the way. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Our VPS material is available in either a fast or regular set formulation depending on your needs for a given procedure. Both styles have top-notch flow and detail reproduction so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re taking the most accurate impressions possible.
The material is known for its incredible strength and resistance to tearing. Its elastic nature allows you to remove the impression from your patients mouth without stressing about distortion that could force a retake.
The 50mL syringes we sell it in will fit into your workflow nicely, allowing for peak productivity without compromising on the quality of your impressions. They’re convenient and mess-free, so you can stay on schedule and get to the next patient in no time.
From 4 packs to 20 packs, 60 packs, and more, you can stock up on as many or as few cartridges as you need to keep your practice running smoothly. So, what are you waiting for? Enhance your impression-taking process at My DDS Supply today!
Bringing Our VPS vs PVS Impression Material Comparison to a Close
We hope this quick guide cleared up the confusion surrounding PVS vs VPS impression material. You’ll see both terms used interchangeably to describe the same material, one that’s considered to be the gold standard in dentistry.
Here at My DDS Supply, we refer to it as VPS material - but no matter what you call it, it offers exceptional workability and precise results every time. You can empower yourself to take more accurate impressions with less work and stress by relying on this material.
Our blog has more resources on topics like how to soften dental putty, how strong is dental cement, how to make dental putty at home, how long does dental cement last, how to take alginate impressions, how to make a temporary crown, what is the purpose of a temporary crown, what are temporary crowns made of, how to use sterilization pouches, and more.
Or, take a closer look at our VPS impression material selection and learn more about what sets it apart from the rest. Join thousands of dental professionals across the country who source from us and achieve precise and reliable impressions no matter the application!