Consultants’ Comments

• “I love that there is no time limit on pouring impressions. ”
• “Excellent product to use when more than one model of the arch is needed.”
• “Setting time is slower than alginate; offer a fast-set version of this material.”
• “Product is difficult to extrude from the cartridge; use an auto-mixing machine for best results.”
• “Set material is very stiff. Take care to avoid breaking the stone model when separating it from the impression.”

Description

freealgin is a hydrophilic, medium-viscosity, addition silicone alginate substitute. It is indicated for impressions for study models, orthodontic models, opposing models, partial and complete dentures, and temporary crown matrices. freealgin has a working time of one minute and a setting time of 2.5 minutes from the start of mixing. It is lilac in color and has a tropical fruit flavor. Impression pouring can be delayed for an unlimited amount of time without loss of accuracy. freealgin is packaged with two 50-ml cartridges and 8 mixing tips; bulk packages containing two, 380-ml cartridges with 15 mixing tips and 2 bayonet rings; or eight 380-ml cartridges and 2 bayonet rings for auto-mixing machines. freealgin was evaluated by 23 consultants in 135 impressions. This product received an 84% clinical rating.

Product Features

freealgin is useful in cases where delayed pouring of models is anticipated or when multiple pours are necessary. Since multiple pours of the material are possible, freealgin is recommended for use in esthetic procedures, where opposing, study and working models are necessary. Consultants rated the detail of the impressions and lack of voids as the most positive features of freealgin. The fruit flavor was well received by patients. Setting time was rated as slower than other materials, and many consultants indicated a fast-set material would be an advantage. Some evaluators commented that the viscosity of the material was too thick, making it difficult to load into impression trays as compared to traditional alginate. The high viscosity also resulted in lack of detail on the teeth beyond the height of contour. Forty-one percent of the consultants would purchase the product and recommend freealgin to a colleague.