Properties and Uses of Polyvinyl Siloxane - Addition-reaction silicone elastomer - Viscous liquid that cures into a rubber-like solid - Takes the shape of the surface it was lying against while curing - Used in dentistry as an impression material - Used in audiology and industrial applications for similar impressions

Commercial Introduction and Availability - Polyvinyl siloxane was commercially introduced in the 1970s - Available in a wide variety of working and setting times - Users mix colored and white putty to initiate the chemical reaction - Final set is noted when the product rebounds upon touching - Hydrogen gas is released, requiring a waiting period before pouring the cast

Dentistry Applications - Polyvinyl siloxane referred to as light or heavy body in dentistry - Commonly used for dental impressions - Used in the creation of dentures - Helps in the inspection of interior features of machined parts - Used to capture internal grooves inside bores

References - Mandikos M. Polyvinyl siloxane impression materials: An update on clinical use. Australian Dental Journal, 1998. - Westone Hearing Health Care - SiliClone S-50. - Andre V. Ritter. Sturdevants Art & Science of Operative Dentistry - E-Book. - Mahesh Verma; Aditi Nanda. Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients: Complete Dentures and Implant-Supported Prostheses - EBK: 1st South Asia Edition. - Herbert T. Shillingburg. Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics.

Related Topics - Dental impression - Dentures - Dental materials - Polymers - Impression material