Alginate
Pronunciation: AL-jih-nayt
An irreversible hydrocolloid impression material derived from seaweed, widely used in orthodontics to take dental impressions for study models.
Full Definition
Alginate is an irreversible hydrocolloid impression material that sets by a chemical reaction and cannot be re-softened. It is used extensively in orthodontics to create accurate impressions of the teeth and surrounding tissues, which are then poured in plaster or dental stone to produce study models. Alginate impressions must be poured promptly as the material can distort with dehydration. Editors should be aware it is a material name that remains lowercase and should not be confused with the digital scanning process that has largely replaced it in modern practice.
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase. Do not capitalise as it is not a proprietary name. Increasingly being replaced by intraoral scanning in contemporary practice; editors should note this context.
In Context
- "Upper and lower alginate impressions were taken for the fabrication of study models." — Clinical record
- "The technician noted that the alginate impression had been stored too long before pouring." — Laboratory communication