Chapter 12

Gypsum materials

DEFINITION

Gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) is a naturally occurring mineral used in dentistry to fabricate models (Figure 12.1a), casts and dies (Figure 12.1b). Calcination is the process of heating the gypsum to dehydrate it (partially or completely) to form calcium sulphate hemihydrate. Plaster and stone are products of the dehydration process. It is the calcination process that determines the strength of the gypsum material. The differences in the types of gypsum are related to the amount of water removed, resulting in varying densities and particle sizes of the material.

Gypsum materials are combined with water and spatulated to create a slurried mixture that is poured into a dental impression (negative reproduction of the teeth and surrounding tissues). It is allowed to set, after which the gypsum and impression are separated, resulting in the positive reproduction of the patient’s tooth/teeth, arch and surrounding tissues. Many dental appliances and restorations are constructed extra-orally using models, dies (one tooth) and casts (replicas of the patients tooth/teeth and surrounding tissues).

It is desirable that all gypsum products are strong, compatible with impression materials and waxes and fluid at the time of pouring into the impression; they should also have good dimensional stability.

Powder and water ratios of gypsum products are important. The less water used in the mixture, the stronger the model. Excess water in a mixture of gypsum increases the setting time and reduces the strength and hardness of the final product.

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has classified gypsum products into the following five types:

Material constituents/composition

• Calcium sulphate dehydrate

Figure 12.1 (a) Model. (b) Model with die.

PLASTER (PLASTER OF PARIS)

Properties

• A calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CaSO₄, 0.5H₂O)
• Oldest form of gypsum
• Weakest of all gypsum products
• When mixed with water, it rehardens to a dehydrate

Uses

• Study models
• Casts

Water/powder ratio

• Unspecific

Figure 12.2 Type I Gypsum.

TYPE I – IMPRESSION PLASTER

See Figure 12.2.

Properties

• Good dimensional stability
• Hydrophilic
• Brittle
• High fracture rate

Uses

• Impressions of edentulous patients
• Occlusal registrations

Water/powder ratio

• 60 ml water to 100 grams powder

Figure 12.3 Type II Gypsum.

TYPE II – PLASTER (MODEL)

See Figure 12.3.

Properties

• High-grade plaster
• Durable
• Easily manipulated
• Stronger than Type I

Uses

• Study models

Water/powder ratio

• 50 ml water to 100 grams powder

Figure 12.4 Type III Gypsum.

TYPE III – DENTAL STONE, DIE, MODEL

See Figure 12.4.

Properties

• Hard
• Accurate
• Smooth consistency
• Stone is stronger than plaster
• Stone mixture requires less water than plaster due to its small particle size and low porosity
• May appear yellow due to dye material added by the manufacturer

Uses

• Working casts
• Models for partial and complete/full dentures

Water/powder ratio

• 30 ml water to 100 grams powder

TYPE IV – DENTAL STONE, HIGH STRENGTH, HIGH EXPANSION

See Figures 12.5a and 12.5b.

Properties

• Modif/>
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