American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Dental Hygiene Licensing Practice Exam

Type IV gypsum, also known as high-strength stone or die stone, is the most popular choice for creating stone dies in dental practices. This type is preferred primarily because of its superior hardness and strength, which are essential characteristics for making precise and durable dies that can withstand the various processes involved in restorative dentistry.

Type IV gypsum exhibits low expansion properties, allowing for more accurate fit of crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations. Its ability to be poured in thin sections means that it can capture fine details from dental impressions effectively, ensuring that the dies produced are both accurate and reliable for further dental work.

In contrast, other types of gypsum such as Type I (impression plaster), Type III (dental stone), and Type V (high-strength, high expansion stone) have specific uses but lack the combination of strength, detail reproduction, and dimensionally stable qualities that make Type IV the preferred choice for stone dies. The unique attributes of Type IV gypsum enable the dental technician to produce higher quality work, which is crucial in achieving patient satisfaction and optimal dental outcomes.