The Perfect Impression:

• No tearing of the wash from the putty around the prep
• No burn-through of wash material on prep or adjacent teeth
• Detailed and complete margins
• No tooth contact with tray; impression centered on tray
• Tray adhesive applied properly
• Properly mixed material; no streaking
• Strong bond between putty & wash materials; no signs of separation
• No voids; full, smooth wash material coverage

Problem: Inadequate Margins
Probable Causes:

• Inadequate retraction of sulcus around the prep
• Moisture or bleeding around the prep
• Too much time between mixing and seating
• Rocking of tray to get proper seating

Problem: Contact with Tray
Probable Causes:

• Wrong size/shape tray used
• Tray not seated properly

Problem: Burn-Through of Wash Materials
Probable Causes:

• Dimple in putty material is too small; must be deep and include teeth adjacent to all preparations
• Not enough wash material
• Tray seated too quickly/forcefully

Problem: Voids
Probable Causes:

• Inadequate retraction of sulcus around the prep
• Moisture or bleeding around prep
• Too much time between mixing and seating
• Improper syringing technique around prep; keep tip immersed and use stirring motion

Problem: Debonding
Probably Causes:

• Contamination of Vaseline or balm used on syringe or lips
• Glove contamination
• Outdated/expired impression material

Problem: Ledges
Probable Causes:

• Dimple in putty material is too small; must be deep and include teeth adjacent to all preparations.
• Tray dislodges before material is fully set
• Not enough wash material
• Tray seated too quickly/forcefully

Problem: Inadequate Tray Adhesive
Probable Causes:

• No/not enough tray adhesive
• Incompatible/wrong manufacturer's adhesive
• Inadequate drying time for adhesive
• Disinfectant residue
• Outdated/expired tray adhesive

Problem: Streaking
Probable Causes:

• Improper amounts of base and catalyst
• Inadequate mixing
• Glove contamination

Problem: Tearing of Wash Material
Probable Causes:

• Premature removal of tray from the mouth; inattention to recommended times.
• Inadequate retraction of sulcus around the preparation.
• Moisture or bleeding around the preparation.