The Kerr Corporation's recently-introduced alginate impression material, Integra, has a light pink color and mild cinnamon odor. It is supplied in 1-pound (454-g) sealed foil pouches and is provided with an empty, standard plastic alginate can that can be used to store the contents of a pouch. A plastic water measuring cup and alginate scoop are also provided. The product is available as fast set (purported working time of 1 minute 30 seconds) and as regular set (purported working time of 2 minutes 20 seconds). Only the fast- set version was evaluated in this project.
Integra performed well in laboratory testing. Clinical evaluators were positively impressed with the smoothness of Integra and reported that their patients were pleased with its flavor. It had a slightly thicker viscosity after mixing, which evaluators felt facilitated border molding. Setting time of the fast-set version tested was adequate and appropriate and its ability to capture detail met the current requirement for alginate impression materials. It also was found to be compatible with the Type V stone used in the laboratory evaluation (Die-Keen). The set Integra separated easily from patients' teeth and gypsum casts. Integra is less expensive than other currently-available alginates and it is dust free.
Some evaluators felt the working time was too short for certain impression-making procedures, though it must be noted that only the fast-set version was tested. Integra is not antimicrobial, which may complicate infection control.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
