Impressions for chrome dentures

 Lately I've been using alginate in a stock tray for the final impression for chrome dentures. If poured up quickly after the impression, alginate is a fantastically accurate material and has proven more than adequate for chrome impressions. One issue that can arise is bubbles in the mix and on tissue surfaces. To minimise bubbles in the mix, invest in an alginate mixer as this will minimise the problem. Take some alginate on your finger and smear it onto tooth surfaces especially occlusal surfaces and the distal surface of the most distal tooth to explude bubbles from the impression surface. Do this wile your assistant is loading the tray and seat the tray shortly after. For dentures that will be significantly tissue borne e.g free end saddles, avoid over seating the tray which will displace the tissues too far and result in an overextended denture. For kennedy class 3 dentures it is not so critical as the dentures will be mainly tooth supported.