Consultants’ Comments

• “Exceptional detail – best of all alginates.”
• “Patients found the taste pleasant.”
• “Best model I’ve seen from an alginate.”
• “Loved it!”

Description

ImprESSIX Color Change is a fast-set, dust-free, berry-scented alginate impression material that changes color to indicate the stage of set. The powder is pale-pink when dispensed, violet when water is added, and dark-pink when ready to take the impression. Once the alginate is set, the color turns white to indicate the proper time for removal from the mouth. The manufacturer cautions that the use of non-distilled water may decrease working and setting times. The manufacturer reports that ImprESSIX Color Change has dimensional stability for five days if sealed in a plastic bag, and accuracy of up to two pours per impression. This alginate has a hand-mixing time of 30 seconds, intraoral setting time of 60 seconds, and a total set time of two minutes, 15 seconds. Included in this evaluation was a 500-g bag of powder in an upright bag and a unique water dosing bottle that accurately measures the water for one, two, or three scoops of powder. Over 268 upper and lower impressions were taken by 31 consultants. ImprESSIX Color Change received a 96% clinical rating.

Product Features

Over half of the consultants commented on the convenience of having a visual cue indicating when the material was set. High ratings were also reported for detail quality, acceptance of taste and odor, and firmness of the set material. While most consultants liked the unique water dispensing bottle, the powder and upright bag combination made it difficult to scoop out the powder without spilling or tipping the bag (see Editors’ Note). Overall, 65% of consultants would switch to ImprESSIX Color Change, 77% would recommend it, and 87% rated it better than or equivalent to their existing alginate.

Clinical Tips

• Smooth the surface of the alginate with a wet, gloved finger and swipe material over occlusal tooth surfaces before making the impression.
• Let water in the dosing bottle come to room temperature for consistent mix and set times.
• Store the powder in an airtight container.

Editors’ Note: DENTSPLY Raintree Essix has the imprESSIX Alginate Storage Canister that was not evaluated. The airtight seal of the container keeps alginate fresh and ready to use. The canister measures 7″ high x 6″ wide x 6″ deep and holds two, 500-g bags of alginate. The alginate scoop is stored inside the hinged lid for convenience and easy access.

The original evaluation was published in THE DENTAL ADVISOR, Vol. 24, No. 8, October 2007.