Laurence Bohan
Content Writer
Laurence Bohan
Content Writer

Laurence is a copywriter and trained journalist. His passion is creating insightful and educational content for dental professionals of every level. Outside of work, he enjoys watching sport, quizzing and spending time with his family.

The advantages of alginate

Alginate continues to withstand the test of time and remains the most widely used impression material in dentistry. Two of Kent Express’ current most popular alginates are DEHP alginate and Hydrogum 5 from Zhermack.

We’ve compared these two quality brands across key characteristics, product ranges and price. Before finding the right brand of alginate, it is worth understanding exactly why the material is so popular.

The advantages of alginate include:

  • Affordable
  • Easy flow
  • Easy to handle and mix
  • Reproduction of adequate detail
  • Fast setting time
  • Minimal tissue displacement in the mouth
  • Good shelf life
  • Neutral taste

The disadvantages often associated with alginate include a lack of fine detail and accuracy, however studies have suggested these shortfalls can be minimised with the right technique and knowledge.

DEHP Alginate or Hydrogum 5?

DEHP has been Kent Express’ bestselling alginate product for several years, while Zhermack Hydrogum 5 is another high quality option. But how do the two compare across what matters?

Price

When buying impression material, price is undoubtedly one of the most important factors that dentists consider. The table below compares prices between the two products*.

DEHP alginate is significantly cheaper on a like-for-like basis than Hydrogum 5 despite offering similar desirable characteristics. If you buy 10 packs of alginate a year you would save over £100 by switching from Hydrogum 5 to DEHP Alginate. DEHP alginate also comes with a free no-quibble money-back guarantee as standard for extra peace of mind.

*Based on Kent Express RRP, not promotional prices.

Key Characteristics

The following are true of both DEHP Alginate and Hydrogum 5:

  • Fast setting
    • 60 seconds for DEHP Alginate
    • 45 seconds for Hydrogum 5
  • High elasticity (allows the material to return to its original form)
  • High tear resistance (reduces the risk of the impression tearing when it is removed from the patient’s mouth)
  • Clear legible colour
    • blue for DEHP Alginate
    • lilac for Hydrogum 5
  • Pleasant aroma
    • spearmint for DEHP Alginate
    • fruity berry for Hydrogum 5
  • Dust-free

Product range

DEHP alginate is available as both a colour-changing and non-colour changing alginate. Alginate that changes colour when mixed acts as a visual guide to assist with loading and setting times. Both these DEHP alginates are available as intro kits made up of two 500g packs of alginate, a container, measuring spoon and water measuring cup. An adhesive spray, tray adhesive liquid and plastic spatulas complete the DEHP alginate range. Similarly, Hydrogum 5 is available as an intro kit (2 x 435g packs) or as a standard 500g bag.

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