Algitex – Alginate Impression Material is manufactured by Dental products of India. They also manufacture Imprint and Chromatex brands of alginates.
- Available as powder.
- Light pink in colour.
- Spearmint Oil odour.
- Packages available as
- 225 gms
- 450 gms
- 750 gms
- 1.125 kgs
- Available as Pouch and Jar too.
- Has a expiry of 4 years.
Pros:
- Lead free
- Fine reproduction of impression.
- Economical
Cons:
- No flavours
- Non chromatic ( no change in colour occurs to indicate change in mixing stage, working stage or setting)
Directions for use:
- Always use the provided scoop for powder and cylinder for water.
- The mixing ratio is 15 gms of powder to 48 ml of water.
- Below a gross measurement of number of scoops of alginate required to make an impression is given.
| Tray Size | Number of scoops of powder | Note |
| 1 | 2 | There might be a little wastage |
| 2 | 2 | |
| 3 | 3 | There might be a little wastage |
| 4 | 3 |
- Always add the powder to water.
| Working time | 2 minutes from start of mix |
| Setting time | 2.15 minutes from start of mix |
- Once all the powder has been mixed with water using a alginate spatula, the mix should be pressed against the side of the bowl to remove any air.
- Load mixed alginate onto the selected tray and place it in the mouth.
- Remove the impression once set with gentle but firm pressure ( do not tease it out). Wash the impression, disinfect it and pour the impression immediately to prevent any dimensional change in the impression.
Review of Algitex – Alginate Impression Material
I have used Algitex for many years.
I use it to record the opposing arch, diagnostic impressions, primary impressions etc. I have never used it for my final impressions during crown & bridge or for dentures.
I have also used other Alginate impression materials like Impreceed from GC but have found Algitex to be a better material overall. Tropicalgin is a comparable quality of alginate, slightly more expensive but with chromatic change and mango flavouring.
It has certain limitations, as it has no flavour ( not all patients like flavours) and no change of colour to indicate change in stages of setting. If these are not a big factor for you, definitely Algitex will be a good and economical alginate solution for you.