Heraeus Kulzer has launched xantasil, its new alginate substitute, in the North American market.
The medium-viscosity, addition-curing silicone is an alternative to traditional alginates for taking impressions for temporaries, orthodontic models, splints, and opposing jaw models, according to the company. It is specifically designed for the requirements of taking anatomical impressions and long-term dimensional and storage stability.
Use of xantasil requires light drying of the tooth surface prior to placing the impression tray. The company recommended high-speed, automatic mixing with the Dynamix speed mixing device and Automix cartridges in conjunction with a dispensing gun for homogeneous, void-free mixed impression material.
Xantasil is designed to have sufficient working time while requiring a short amount of time in the patient's mouth. It has high strain in compression and elastic recovery of the impression material for removal from the mouth and model, while the low final hardness permits trimming of the impression.
