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Basic Technical IVT

PVS

Pronunciation: P-V-S

Also written as: PVS — Polyvinyl Siloxane

Abbreviation for polyvinyl siloxane, an addition-reaction silicone elastomeric impression material widely used for precise dental impressions.

Full Definition

PVS (polyvinyl siloxane), also called addition silicone or vinyl polysiloxane (VPS), is a dimensionally stable elastomeric material used to record tooth preparations, soft tissue, and implant positions for laboratory fabrication. It is noted for its excellent detail reproduction, low dimensional change, and ease of handling. Editors will encounter 'PVS' in materials sections of case reports, laboratory prescriptions, and product specifications. The abbreviations VPS (vinyl polysiloxane) and A-silicone are synonymous and may appear in the same document, requiring consistent editorial handling.

Usage

Usage note: On first use in a document, expand to 'polyvinyl siloxane (PVS).' Note that 'VPS' (vinyl polysiloxane) is an equivalent abbreviation; standardise to whichever form the author or house style prefers.

In Context

  • "A medium-body PVS material was used to record the full-arch impression before scanning." — Laboratory Work Order
  • "The materials section listed 'PVS' and 'VPS' interchangeably; an editorial note was added to standardise the abbreviation." — Journal Article Copy-editing

Also known as

VPS addition silicone vinyl polysiloxane

Don't confuse with

polyether impression material condensation silicone

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