What characteristic distinguishes polysiloxane from other impression materials?

Polysiloxane impression materials are distinguished by their superior dimensional stability, which allows them to retain their shape accurately over time. This characteristic is essential in dentistry for ensuring that impressions lead to precise and reliable final restorations or devices. The high dimensional stability means that polysiloxane records the details of the oral structures without significant distortion, even after storage, making it ideal for cases where impressions need to be sent to a laboratory.

Other impression materials may not provide the same level of dimensional accuracy. For example, materials like alginate can exhibit changes in dimension due to moisture loss or gain, which can compromise the integrity of the impression. Therefore, the quality of dimensional stability in polysiloxane sets it apart as a preferred choice in many applications within dental practice.