What are the differences between dental plaster and stone?

Dental plaster and dental stone are both materials used in dentistry, but they have different properties and uses.

Dental plaster is made of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, which is a form of gypsum. It is a white powder that is mixed with water to form a paste. Dental plaster sets quickly, typically in 2-5 minutes, and it has a low strength. Because of its rapid setting time, it is often used for quick and simple procedures, such as taking impressions of the teeth or making casts of the mouth.

Dental stone is made of calcium sulfate dihydrate, which is another form of gypsum. It is also a white powder that is mixed with water to form a paste. Dental stone sets slower than dental plaster, typically in 5-10 minutes, and it has a higher strength. Its increased strength makes it more durable and resistant to wear, making it suitable for more complex and precise dental procedures, such as creating models for crowns and bridges, inlays and onlays, or dentures.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between dental plaster and dental stone:

| Property | Dental Plaster | Dental Stone |

|---|---|---|

| Composition | Calcium sulfate hemihydrate | Calcium sulfate dihydrate |

| Setting time | 2-5 minutes | 5-10 minutes |

| Strength | Low | High |

| Uses | Impressions, casts | Models, crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays, dentures |

Dentists will choose to use dental plaster or dental stone based on the specific needs and requirements of the procedure being performed.