A build-up impression technique for the edentulous mandible using various viscosities of silicone impression material.

most difficult impression to make during complete denture construction. Ill-fitting lower complete dentures are often a source of discomfort for patients. While implant retention helps to achieve vertical stability, unless a completely implant-supported denture is being made, the denture must have good tissue contact and correct anatomical extension. An impression technique is required that captures the denture-bearing areas, but also allows compression of the tissues in accordance with their relative nobilities. Loose tissues require a mucostatic (uncompressed) technique, whilst immobile tissues are best util ised with a mucocompressive (loaded) impression technique. This leads to a denture that differentially loads the area best able to support masticatory forces. There are a number of means to achieve this selective pressure. The use of impression compounds and Zinc Oxide Eugenol impression materials are classically advocated. However, in a busy practice, the use of various viscosities of polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) is convenient, accurate, dimensionally stable, fast setting, easily adjusted and added to, elastic when drawn over undercuts, dimensionally stable during transport, well tolerated by the patient, and time efficient. Clinical feature