{"id":1550,"date":"2026-10-16T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/?p=1550"},"modified":"2026-10-16T15:27:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T07:27:22","slug":"vps-silicone-impression-material-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/vps-silicone-impression-material-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Addition Silicone (VPS) Impression Materials: The Complete Clinical Protocol &#038; Sourcing Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In precision restorative dentistry, capturing microscopic preparation margins, subgingival emergence profiles, and implant positions requires an impression material that delivers near-zero dimensional distortion. While <a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/dental-alginate-grades-explained\/\">High Precision Alginates<\/a> excel for study casts, opposing arches, and preliminary impressions, <strong>Addition Silicone\u2014also known as Vinyl Polysiloxane (VPS) or Polyvinyl Siloxane (PVS)\u2014is the undisputed gold standard for definitive fixed prosthodontics and implantology.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Unlike traditional condensation silicones (which release alcohol by-products during setting and shrink rapidly), addition-cure silicones polymerize via a platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction <strong>with zero volatile by-products<\/strong>. This chemical stability guarantees exceptional elastic recovery ($&gt;99.5\\%$) and remarkable dimensional stability for up to 14 to 28 days.<\/p>\n<p>However, clinical success with VPS depends heavily on selecting the proper viscosity combination, mastering the <strong>Putty-Wash technique<\/strong>, avoiding <strong>latex sulfur inhibition<\/strong>, and ensuring proper adhesive tray bonding.<\/p>\n<p>This clinical and procurement guide breaks down VPS polymer chemistry, viscosity classifications, step-by-step clinical protocols, and wholesale sourcing standards for dental practices and medical distributors.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>1. Material Science: Addition (VPS) vs. Condensation Silicones<\/h2>\n<p>Understanding the polymerization chemistry clarifies why addition silicones dominate high-end prosthodontics:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Feature \/ Property<\/th>\n<th>Addition Silicone (VPS \/ A-Silicone)<\/th>\n<th>Condensation Silicone (C-Silicone)<\/th>\n<th>Reversible \/ Irreversible Hydrocolloid (Alginate)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Polymerization Type<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Addition reaction (Platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation)<\/td>\n<td>Condensation reaction (Organo-tin catalyzed)<\/td>\n<td>Gelation via calcium cross-linking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>By-Product Release<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>None<\/strong> (Zero volatile loss during set)<\/td>\n<td>Releases ethyl alcohol (leads to shrinkage)<\/td>\n<td>Water loss via syneresis \/ evaporation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Linear Dimensional Shrinkage (24h)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>$&lt; 0.05\\% &#8211; 0.10\\%$ (Negligible)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>$0.4\\% &#8211; 0.7\\%$ (Moderate contraction)<\/td>\n<td>High ($&gt; 1.0\\%$ if unsealed)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Elastic Recovery Rate<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>$&gt; 99.5\\%$ (Highest in dentistry)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>$98.0\\% &#8211; 98.5\\%$<\/td>\n<td>$97.0\\% &#8211; 98.0\\%$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Pouring Window<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Immediate or delayed up to 14\u201328 days<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Must be poured within 30\u201360 minutes<\/td>\n<td>Pour within 30 min (or sealed up to 7 days)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Multiple Cast Pours<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Yes<\/strong> (Multiple identical stone casts can be poured)<\/td>\n<td>No (Distorts after first pour)<\/td>\n<td>Single pour only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Hydrophilicity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Inherently hydrophobic; modified with surfactants<\/td>\n<td>Moderately hydrophobic<\/td>\n<td>Naturally hydrophilic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>2. Viscosity Classifications: Matching the System to the Case<\/h2>\n<p>VPS impression systems are formulated in standardized viscosities defined by <strong>ISO 4823<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<pre><code>[Type 0: Extra-High (Putty)]    \u2500\u2500\u25ba Dense kneadable base; provides rigid hydraulic tray support\n[Type 1: High (Heavy Body)]     \u2500\u2500\u25ba Cartridge-dispensed tray material for 1-step simultaneous technique\n[Type 2: Medium (Monophase)]    \u2500\u2500\u25ba Single-viscosity material for complete dentures and pick-up implants\n[Type 3: Low (Light Body)]      \u2500\u2500\u25ba Ultra-fluid paste injected subgingivally to capture microscopic margins\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<h3>2.1 Type 0: Putty (Heavy Viscosity \/ Hand-Mixed)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Packaging:<\/strong> Supplied in dual tubs (Base + Catalyst, typically $400\\text{g} + 400\\text{g}$).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clinical Function:<\/strong> Kneaded by hand to form the stiff foundational matrix inside the impression tray. It exerts hydraulic pressure on the light body wash, forcing it into the retracted gingival sulcus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2.2 Type 1: Heavy Body (Cartridge-Dispensed)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Packaging:<\/strong> Standard $50\\text{mL}$ dual-barrel cartridges ($1:1$ ratio).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clinical Function:<\/strong> Extruded via <a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/dental-mixing-tips-dispensing-gun-guide\/\">Dispensing Guns and Green Mixing Tips<\/a>. Replaces hand-mixed putty in &#8220;one-step simultaneous&#8221; double-mix techniques.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2.3 Type 3: Light Body \/ Regular Body (Wash Material)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Packaging:<\/strong> Standard $50\\text{mL}$ cartridges ($1:1$ ratio), dispensed using <strong>Yellow Mixing Tips ($4.2\\text{mm}$)<\/strong> and intraoral tips.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clinical Function:<\/strong> Characterized by high fluidity and low surface contact angles. Injected directly around prepared tooth margins, capture details down to $&lt; 10\\ \\mu\\text{m}$.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>3. Clinical Masterclass: The Putty-Wash Technique<\/h2>\n<p>There are two primary techniques for capturing fixed crown and bridge impressions:<\/p>\n<h3>Technique A: The Two-Step Putty-Wash Technique (Maximum Precision)<\/h3>\n<p>The two-step protocol eliminates hydraulic rebound errors and guarantees uniform wash thickness:<\/p>\n<pre><code>[Step 1: Putty Preliminary Impression] \u2500\u2500\u25ba [Step 2: Carve Relief Escape Channels] \u2500\u2500\u25ba [Step 3: Inject Light Body Wash &amp; Re-seat]\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Preliminary Putty Impression:<\/strong> Seat the loaded putty tray over the dentition (often with a thin polyethylene spacer sheet placed over the teeth to create a uniform $1 &#8211; 2\\text{ mm}$ wash space). Allow to fully polymerize and remove.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carving Relief Channels:<\/strong> With a surgical scalpel, trim away interproximal undercuts and carve diagonal escape grooves from the gingival margins to the tray borders. <em>(Crucial step: Unrelieved putty acts as a hydraulic piston, generating high pressure that prevents the tray from reseating fully).<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Light Body Injection:<\/strong> Dry the prepared teeth thoroughly. Using a dynamic <a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/dental-mixing-tips-dispensing-gun-guide\/\">Dispensing Gun and Intraoral Tip<\/a>, inject Light Body subgingivally around the finish line, keeping the tip submerged in material to prevent air bubbles.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Re-seating:<\/strong> Immediately reseat the putty tray. Hold completely motionless for <strong>3 minutes 30 seconds to 4 minutes<\/strong> until fully cured.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Technique B: The One-Step Simultaneous Technique (Chairside Speed)<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>The assistant loads the impression tray with Heavy Body (or freshly kneaded Putty).<\/li>\n<li>Concurrently, the clinician injects Light Body around the prepared tooth abutments.<\/li>\n<li>The tray is seated immediately while both materials are uncured, polymerizing together in a single step.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Advantage:<\/strong> Saves chair time; eliminates the risk of delamination between separate layers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drawback:<\/strong> Requires precise synchronization between clinician and assistant.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>4. Critical Clinical Pitfalls &amp; How to Avoid Them<\/h2>\n<h3>4.1 The Latex Glove Sulfur Inhibition Disaster<\/h3>\n<p>The platinum catalyst in addition silicone is <strong>extremely vulnerable to sulfur poisoning<\/strong>.<br \/>\n* <strong>The Hazard:<\/strong> Chemical sulfur compounds in powdered or non-powdered <strong>latex gloves<\/strong> chemically neutralize the platinum catalyst. If an assistant kneads putty while wearing latex gloves, the surface of the silicone will remain a sticky, unpolymerized paste that never cures.<br \/>\n* <strong>Clinical Fix:<\/strong> <strong>Strictly wear Vinyl or Nitrile gloves<\/strong> when handling VPS putty. Never touch tooth preparation surfaces with latex gloves prior to impression taking.<\/p>\n<h3>4.2 Hemostatic Agent Incompatibility<\/h3>\n<p>Ferric sulfate and aluminum chloride hemostatic retraction solutions can inhibit VPS polymerization if allowed to pool in the sulcus.<br \/>\n* <strong>Clinical Fix:<\/strong> Rinse the sulcus thoroughly with water spray and dry before injecting Light Body wash.<\/p>\n<h3>4.3 Tray Adhesive Delamination<\/h3>\n<p>If silicone pulls away from the tray wall during removal from the mouth, the entire impression experiences massive linear distortion.<br \/>\n* <strong>Clinical Fix:<\/strong> Always coat the impression tray with a thin layer of specialized <strong>VPS Tray Adhesive<\/strong> at least 5 minutes prior to loading, allowing the solvent to evaporate completely.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>5. Clinical Decision Matrix: VPS vs. High Precision Alginate<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Clinical Case<\/th>\n<th>Recommended Material<\/th>\n<th>Clinical Rationale<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Single Crown (Equigingival Margin)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/dental-alginate-grades-explained\/\">High Precision Alginate (E50002)<\/a> or VPS<\/td>\n<td>Alginate provides adequate $20\\ \\mu\\text{m}$ detail at lower cost; VPS offers delayed pouring flexibility.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Multi-Unit Fixed Bridge &amp; Veneers<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Addition Silicone (VPS)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Zero dimensional shrinkage preserves parallel path of insertion across multiple preparations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Full-Arch Implant Master Casts<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Addition Silicone (VPS \/ Monophase)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>High rigidity holds implant impression copings firmly during model pouring.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Full Denture Functional Border Molding<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>VPS Heavy Body \/ Putty<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>High thixotropic viscosity captures accurate muscle attachment boundaries.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Diagnostic Study Casts &amp; Ortho Records<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/product\/alginate-impression-material-high-precision-type\/\">Universal Alginate (E50001)<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Highly economical, rapid turnaround, and pleasant for patients.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>6. Sourcing &amp; Packaging Configurations for Wholesalers<\/h2>\n<p>When importing addition silicone impression materials in bulk, evaluate standard wholesale configurations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Putty Packaging:<\/strong> Packaged in matching $400\\text{g} \\text{ Base} + 400\\text{g} \\text{ Catalyst}$ plastic tubs with color-coded measuring scoops; 20 to 30 sets per master carton.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cartridge Packaging (Light \/ Heavy Body):<\/strong> Standard $50\\text{mL} \\times 2$ cartridges per inner box, including 12 disposable mixing tips and 12 intraoral tips; 50 boxes per master carton.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regulatory Compliance:<\/strong> Manufactured under <strong>ISO 13485<\/strong> medical quality standards, supported by official National Medical Products Administration <strong>Free Sales Certificates (FSC)<\/strong> and CE Class I \/ IIa notifications.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Storage Stability:<\/strong> Maintains a <strong>24-month (2-year)<\/strong> shelf life when stored in dry conditions between $15^\\circ\\text{C}\\text{ and }25^\\circ\\text{C}$.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote>\n<p><strong>Logistics Optimization:<\/strong> Sourcing VPS cartridges alongside high-volume consumables\u2014such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/dental-mixing-tips-dispensing-gun-guide\/\">Dental Mixing Tips<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/dental-bib-wholesale-guide\/\">Dental Bibs<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/type-iii-vs-type-iv-dental-stone\/\">Type IV Die Stone<\/a><\/strong>\u2014enables multi-category container consolidation, minimizing per-unit shipping overhead.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Summary &amp; Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Addition Silicone (VPS) eliminates shrinkage<\/strong> because it produces zero volatile by-products during setting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Never wear latex gloves<\/strong> when kneading putty; use nitrile or vinyl gloves to prevent sulfur inhibition.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carve relief channels<\/strong> when executing two-step putty-wash impressions to avoid hydraulic rebound distortion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pour master dies with <a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/type-iii-vs-type-iv-dental-stone\/\">Type IV Dental Stone<\/a><\/strong> to match the microscopic detail captured by the light body wash.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Partner with EvenDent for Your Precision Impression Needs<\/h2>\n<p>At <strong>EvenDent<\/strong>, our silicone impression systems and impression accessories are manufactured in ISO 13485 certified partner facilities and backed by comprehensive export documentation (CE, FSC, COA, MSDS).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Super Hydrophilic Formulations:<\/strong> Exceptional wet-field displacement captures subgingival margins with zero tearing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complete System Availability:<\/strong> Putty (Type 0), Heavy Body (Type 1), Monophase (Type 2), and Light Body (Type 3) with full cartridge and accessory support.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consolidated B2B Export:<\/strong> Combine silicone impression lines with alginates, model stones, and clinic disposables in a single mixed shipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Upgrade your clinical impression accuracy:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/contact-us\/\">\ud83d\udc49 Request Free Product Samples &amp; Wholesale Price Sheets<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Explore Our Complete Impression Range:<\/strong> View our <a href=\"https:\/\/evendent.com\/product-category\/impression-materials\/\">Impression Materials Category Hub<\/a> or contact our export team via WhatsApp at <strong>+86 180 1638 1172<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<h3>Q1: How long can I wait before pouring a stone model from a VPS impression?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Unlike alginates, VPS impressions can be poured immediately or safely stored for up to <strong>14 to 28 days<\/strong> without measurable dimensional change, provided they are kept away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.<\/p>\n<h3>Q2: Can multiple stone casts be poured from the same VPS impression?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Yes. Because VPS boasts an elastic recovery rate exceeding $99.5\\%$, clinicians and laboratories can pour a second or third model (e.g., an unsectioned solid master model and a sectioned working die model) from a single impression.<\/p>\n<h3>Q3: Why is my VPS impression sticky or uncured on the surface?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Sticky or uncured surfaces are almost always caused by sulfur contamination from latex gloves, unpolymerized resin bonding air-inhibition layers, or residual sulfur-containing hemostatic agents in the gingival sulcus.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Comprehensive clinical protocol and sourcing manual for addition silicone (VPS) impression materials. Learn two-phase putty\/wash workflows, 99.5% elastic recovery, and dimensional stability.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1549,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[95,94],"tags":[300],"class_list":["post-1550","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-clinical-applications","category-product-knowledge","tag-vps-impression-materials"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1550","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1550"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1550\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1600,"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1550\/revisions\/1600"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1549"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evendent.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}