Alginate

Suggested brand: Hydrogum 5 by Zhermack. Generic products could be used; however, this product has a good mix between value and accuracy.

Reasoning

• Lower cost than most alginates, $0.58 per impression.
• Best accuracy, up to 18 hours.
• Extra fast water absorption.
• Easy mixing.
• "Clinician's Choice"
• Exotic fruit flavor.

Clinical Hints to Maintain Accuracy

• Select tray with adequate retentive features and use an adhesive with disposable trays.
• Carefully remove impression from mouth to minimize distortion.
• Wash impression thoroughly to remove mucus and debris.
• Shake impression to remove excess water.
• Using air syringe, dry impression until shine is slightly gone.
• Pour impression immediately for best outcome or store impression in a sealed plastic bag with 2–4 drops of water, don't wrap in a paper towel.
• If long storage is anticipated, use VPS impression material.
• Disinfection is at the discretion of the clinician. All broad-spectrum disinfectants tested caused loss of accuracy and detail. For optimum accuracy, wash impression well and use gloves when pouring.

Resource	Link
Hygiene Report, May 2008, review + tips	PDF document
Manufacture's Directions	PDF document