Table 1: Comparison of Numeric Data
| Product Name | Price | Size | Working Time | Setting Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patterson® Algitec Alginate Impression | $17.69 | 1 lb | 1:30 | 2:45 |
| Kromopan® 100 Chromatic Alginate Refill | $23.79 | 1 lb | Fast Set | N/A |
| Jeltrate® Plus Alginate Impression | $20.49 | 1 lb | N/A | N/A |
| Jeltrate® Alginate Impression | $15.69 | 1 lb | N/A | N/A |
| Identic™ Dust-Free Alginate | $20.29 | 1 lb | N/A | N/A |
| AccuDent® XD Alginate Impression | $21.29 | 12/pkg | N/A | N/A |
| Cavex ColorChange Alginate | $17.29 | 1 lb | N/A | N/A |
| Jeltrate® Chroma Alginate Impression | $25.79 | 454 g | N/A | 2 minutes |
| Hydrogum® 5 High Stability Alginate | $23.79 | 1 lb | N/A | N/A |
| Image™ Dust-Free Alginate | $25.49 | 500 g | N/A | N/A |
Table 2: Comparison of Important Features
| Product Name | Made in USA | Flavor | Type | Dust-Free | Antimicrobial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patterson® Algitec Alginate Impression | Yes | Spearmint | Type I | Yes | No |
| Kromopan® 100 Chromatic Alginate Refill | No | N/A | Type I | Yes | No |
| Jeltrate® Plus Alginate Impression | No | N/A | Type I | Yes | Yes |
| Jeltrate® Alginate Impression | No | N/A | Type I | No | No |
| Identic™ Dust-Free Alginate | No | Cinnamon | Type I | Yes | Yes |
| AccuDent® XD Alginate Impression | No | N/A | Type I | No | No |
| Cavex ColorChange Alginate | No | N/A | Type I | Yes | No |
| Jeltrate® Chroma Alginate Impression | No | N/A | Type I | Yes | No |
| Hydrogum® 5 High Stability Alginate | No | Mangosteen | Type I | Yes | No |
| Image™ Dust-Free Alginate | No | Mint | Type I | Yes | No |
Top 10 Alginate Substitutes for Taking Impressions in Dentistry
1. Patterson® Algitec Alginate Impression Material
Product Description
Patterson® Algitec is a high-precision alginate impression material designed for smooth, accurate impressions with a dust-free formula that enhances safety and reduces airborne particles. With its easy-wetting composition, fast setting times, and pleasant spearmint flavor, it ensures both clinician convenience and patient comfort.
Product Overview
This USA-made, gluten-free and BPA-free alginate mixes consistently, with a total working time of 1:30 and a final set time of 2:45, making it ideal for fast-paced clinical environments. Its fast mix and set time helps streamline procedures while maintaining excellent detail reproduction and impression stability.
Key Features
Dust-free formula – safer and cleaner handling
Easy wetting for consistent, smooth mixing
Fast setting for efficient workflow
Pleasant spearmint flavor enhances patient comfort
Made in the USA
Gluten-free and BPA-free
Excellent impression detail and dimensional stability
Common Applications
Diagnostic impressions
Study models
Preliminary impressions for prosthetics or orthodontics
Bleaching trays and mouthguards
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Patterson® Algitec Alginate Impression Material
Flavor: Spearmint
Setting Times:
- Mixing Time: 45 seconds
- Working Time: 1:30
- Initial Set Time: 1:45
- Final Set Time: 2:45
Formula: Dust-free, gluten-free, BPA-free
Country of Origin: USA
Application: General dentistry, ortho, prosthetics
Package Quantity: Varies (typically 1 lb or 1 kg bag)
Price: $18.95 per 1 lb bag (estimated retail)
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Mixes smoothly with no mess
Fast setting saves time during busy appointments
Flavor is a nice touch for patient comfort
Reliable results—perfect for quick diagnostics
Top 10 Base Impression Material in Dentistry
2. Kromopan® 100 Chromatic Alginate
Product Description
Kromopan® 100 is a chromatic alginate impression material that offers visual color-phase indicators to simplify each step of the impression process. Changing from violet to pink to white, this alginate helps clinicians accurately track mixing, working, and setting times for more precise impressions.
Product Overview
Formulated for fast set times and ease of use, Kromopan® 100 ensures high detail reproduction while providing visual cues for each phase of the procedure. Its chromatic indicator system enhances confidence and consistency in every mix. Ideal for diagnostic models, ortho records, and preliminary impressions.
Key Features
Color-changing formula: Violet (mix), Pink (load), White (set)
Fast set time for quicker chairside use
Excellent detail reproduction
User-friendly for both seasoned professionals and students
Consistent working time regardless of water temperature
Great tear resistance for easier removal
Common Applications
Diagnostic and preliminary impressions
Orthodontic study models
Mouthguards and bleaching trays
Removable prosthetics
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Kromopan® 100 Chromatic Alginate
Color Phases: Violet (mixing) → Pink (tray load) → White (ready/set)
Set Time: Fast Set
Size: 1 lb
Package Quantity: 1 per package
Application: Dental, Ortho, Preliminary Work
Price: $11.95 per 1 lb bag (estimated retail)
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
The color guide is super helpful
Mixes easily and sets quickly
Good tear strength and detail
Reliable results every time
3. Jeltrate® Plus – Antimicrobial, Dustless, Alginate Impression Material
Product Description
Jeltrate® Plus is an antimicrobial, dustless alginate impression material engineered for smooth, accurate impressions with enhanced tear strength and superior handling. Designed with increased algin content, it produces creamier, more consistent mixes and effectively reduces microorganisms by 99%, supporting safer, cleaner clinical workflows.
Product Overview
Ideal for fabricating custom trays, mouthguards, and removable partial denture frameworks, Jeltrate® Plus offers strong, dependable performance. The dustless formula improves air quality during handling, while its antimicrobial protection supports infection control protocols in busy practices.
Key Features
Antimicrobial – reduces microorganisms by 99%
Dustless formula improves handling and safety
Enhanced algin content for increased tear strength
Creamy, smooth mix consistency
High-quality impressions suitable for multiple applications
Excellent dimensional stability
Common Applications
Removable partial denture frameworks
Custom trays and bleaching trays
Mouthguards and study models
Diagnostic impressions
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Jeltrate® Plus Antimicrobial Alginate
Formula: Dustless, antimicrobial
Tear Strength: Increased (high algin content)
Texture: Creamy and smooth
Application: Dental, Prosthodontics, Ortho, Diagnostics
Package Quantity: Typically 1 lb bag or larger tubs
Price: $12.95 per 1 lb bag (estimated retail)
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Mixes incredibly smooth
Feels more stable and easier to work with than standard alginate
Antimicrobial feature gives peace of mind
Great results with custom trays and guards
4. Jeltrate® Alginate Impression Material
Product Description
Jeltrate® is a high-quality alginate impression material with a high algin content designed to produce reliable, smooth, and detailed impressions. As an irreversible hydrocolloid, it offers consistency and stability, making it ideal for a wide range of applications including case studies, orthodontic records, opposing models, and the fabrication of custom trays and removable appliances.
Product Overview
Its non-slump formula improves patient comfort, while maintaining sufficient flow characteristics for easy tray loading and adaptation. Despite its high algin content, the material mimics the flow of lower algin alternatives, providing flexibility and ease of handling in clinical settings.
Key Features
High algin content for greater detail and tear strength
Irreversible hydrocolloid formulation
Smooth, consistent mixing for bubble-free models
Non-slump formula enhances patient comfort
Suitable for a wide range of clinical and lab applications
Reliable performance in orthodontic and removable prosthetic work
Common Applications
Case study impressions
Orthodontic and opposing models
Custom trays and occlusal splints
Mouthguards and removable prostheses
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Jeltrate® Alginate Impression Material
Material Type: Irreversible hydrocolloid
Flow: Comparable to low algin alternatives
Texture: Smooth and creamy
Patient Comfort: High (non-slump formula)
Application: Dental, Ortho, Prosthodontics
Package Quantity: 1 lb bag (also available in bulk sizes)
Price: $10.95 per 1 lb bag (estimated retail)
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Great for day-to-day diagnostic impressions
Easy to work with and removes cleanly
Smooth and consistent every time
Patients seem to tolerate it well—no dripping or slumping
5. Identic™ Dust-Free Alginate
Product Description
Identic™ Dust-Free Alginate is a user-friendly, antimicrobial impression material that delivers smooth, accurate results with minimal mess. Packaged in 1 lb poly-aluminum pouches to extend shelf life and save space, this alginate is ideal for everyday dental impressions requiring detail and speed.
Product Overview
With its dust-free formulation, pleasant taste, and easy mixing characteristics, Identic™ supports a cleaner working environment while producing an excellent stone surface finish. It’s designed for comfort, safety, and reliable performance, making it a trusted option for high-volume practices.
Key Features
Dust-free formula for reduced airborne particles
Antimicrobial properties support infection control
Easy to mix – smooth consistency and fast setup
Produces a clean, detailed stone surface
Pleasant taste improves patient experience
Shelf-stable packaging reduces waste and storage space
Common Applications
Study models and diagnostic impressions
Orthodontic and opposing models
Mouthguards and bleaching trays
Custom trays and removable prosthetics
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Identic™ Dust-Free Alginate
Formula: Dust-free, antimicrobial
Flavor: Pleasant-tasting (varies by batch)
Package Type: 1 lb poly-aluminum pouch
Application: General dentistry, ortho, prosthodontics
Shelf Life: Extended (thanks to sealed packaging)
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Price: $11.45 per 1 lb bag (estimated retail)
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Dust-free really makes a difference
Mixes easily and consistently
Leaves a clean surface on poured models
Compact packaging is perfect for small storage areas
Top 5 Fast-Setting Alginate Impression Brands in Dentistry
6. AccuDent® XD Alginate Impression Material
Product Description
AccuDent® XD is an advanced irreversible hydrocolloid impression system designed for both dentate and edentulous patients. It utilizes two viscosities—a lighter syringe material and a thicker tray material—to provide optimal adaptation and highly detailed, bubble-free impressions.
Product Overview
This dual-viscosity alginate material offers dimensional accuracy, ease of use, and minimal air entrapment for more reliable clinical results. AccuDent® XD is ideal for clinicians seeking a premium-quality solution for a wide range of impression-taking scenarios, particularly in prosthodontics.
Key Features
Two-viscosity system: lighter body for syringes, thicker for trays
Designed for dentate and edentulous impressions
Irreversible hydrocolloid formula
Delivers high dimensional accuracy
Minimizes air bubbles for better model integrity
Consistent handling and setting characteristics
Common Applications
Impressions for dentures and partials
Diagnostic models for dentate and edentulous arches
Custom tray creation
Opposing models for restorative work
Technical Specifications
Product Name: AccuDent® XD Alginate Impression Material
Material Type: Irreversible hydrocolloid
Viscosity Options: Syringe (light body), Tray (regular body)
Impression Detail: High accuracy with minimal bubbles
Application: Denture, Prosthodontics, Diagnostics
Package Quantity: Varies (usually kit or refill format)
Price: $38.95 per kit (estimated retail)
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Delivers incredibly detailed impressions
The dual viscosity makes it more adaptable
Fewer bubbles than traditional alginate
Perfect for full arch impressions and dentures
7. Cavex ColorChange Alginate
Product Description
Cavex ColorChange Alginate is an intelligent, chromatic impression material designed to visually guide clinicians through each step of the procedure. It features two color changes—violet to pink (mixing complete) and pink to white (setting complete)—for a clear, intuitive workflow. This alginate offers excellent tear resistance, smooth surface detail, and 5-day dimensional stability when stored properly.
Product Overview
Formulated for precision and convenience, this highly elastic material provides reliable detail reproduction and rapid, complete hardening. The 1-minute intraoral setting time ensures greater patient comfort, while the dust-free formula and 5-year shelf life enhance usability and storage.
Key Features
- Dual color change: violet to pink (mixing), pink to white (setting)
- Patient-friendly 1-minute in-mouth setting
- 5-day dimensional stability in sealed plastic bag
- Excellent tear and deformation resistance
- High elasticity for clean removal
- Compatible with gypsum for smooth model surfaces
- Dust-free, easy-to-mix formulation
- 5-year shelf life
Common Applications
- Orthodontic impressions
- Study models and diagnostic impressions
- Preliminary impressions for prosthetics
- Opposing arch records
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Cavex Holland B.V.
Material Type: Chromatic alginate (irreversible hydrocolloid)
Color Change: Violet → Pink → White
Setting Time (In Mouth): 1 minute
Dimensional Stability: 5 days
Shelf Life: 5 years
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg (1 lb bag)
Price: $13.95 (estimated retail)
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
“Color indicators take the guesswork out of timing.”
“Very smooth and elastic—removes easily with no distortion.”
“Models pour beautifully even days later.”
“A must-have in our ortho toolkit.
8. Jeltrate® Chroma Dustless Color-Changing Alginate
Product Description
Jeltrate® Chroma is a dustless, color-changing alginate impression material that enhances accuracy with visual cues throughout the impression process. Its chromatic formula transitions through fuchsia, lavender, and light blue, clearly marking the stages of mixing, tray loading, and intraoral setting.
Product Overview
Engineered for speed and ease, this alginate features a fast setting time of just 2 minutes and offers dimensional stability for up to five days when stored properly. Ideal for clinicians who value precision and efficiency, Jeltrate® Chroma combines excellent detail reproduction with a patient-friendly formulation.
Key Features
- Color change: fuchsia (mix) → lavender (tray load) → light blue (set)
- Fast setting time: 2 minutes
- Dustless formula for cleaner, safer handling
- 5-day dimensional stability in a sealed plastic bag
- Excellent surface detail and model accuracy
- Easy to read color transitions
- Smooth consistency for reliable tray application
Common Applications
- Diagnostic and study models
- Orthodontic impressions
- Custom trays and removable appliances
- Opposing arch impressions
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Jeltrate® Chroma
Formula Type: Dustless, chromatic, irreversible hydrocolloid
Color Phases: Fuchsia → Lavender → Light Blue
Setting Time: 2 minutes
Dimensional Stability: 5 days (sealed)
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg (1 lb bag)
Price: $12.95 (estimated retail)
Manufacturer: Dentsply Sirona
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
“The color changes make it easy for assistants and students to get timing right.”
“Fast set and dustless is the perfect combo.”
“Excellent results on study models—smooth pours and good detail.”
9. Hydrogum® 5 High Stability Alginate by Zhermack Incorporated
Product Description
Hydrogum® 5 is an extra fast-setting, dust-free alginate impression material known for its five-day dimensional stability and rapid water absorption. Formulated for speed and precision, this alginate is ideal for various applications including temporary crowns, bridges, removable prostheses, and study models.
Product Overview
This alginate features thixotropic properties, allowing it to flow under pressure but remain stable in the tray. With a 5-second absorption time, exotic mangosteen flavor, and smooth surface finish, Hydrogum® 5 enhances both clinical outcomes and patient experience.
Key Features
- Extra fast water absorption: 5 seconds
- Dimensional stability up to 5 days in sealed bag
- Smooth, compact, homogenous surface quality
- Thixotropic behavior: flows under pressure, stable in tray
- Lilac color for visibility
- Fruity mangosteen flavor for patient comfort
- 5-year shelf life
- Extra fast working and setting times
Common Applications
- Temporary crowns and bridges
- Study models and diagnostics
- Removable prosthetics and chromes
- Opposing arch impressions
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Hydrogum® 5
Manufacturer: Zhermack Incorporated
Flavor: Exotic fruity (mangosteen)
Color: Lilac
Set Time: Extra fast
Water Absorption: 5 seconds
Shelf Life: 5 years
Stability: 5 days (sealed)
Thixotropic: Yes
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg (1 lb bag)
Price: $14.25 (estimated retail)
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
“Incredibly fast and smooth—great for kids and quick procedures.”
“The lilac color and fruity scent make it more pleasant for patients.”
“High quality detail and great for temps and diagnostics.”
10. Image™ Dust-Free Alginate
Product Description
Image™ Dust-Free Alginate is a mint-scented impression material that delivers a smooth mixing experience, fine detail reproduction, and excellent stone model surfaces. Designed for convenience and performance, it comes in compact 500 g poly-aluminum pouches to extend shelf life and save space.
Product Overview
Engineered for ease of use in everyday dental procedures, this alginate mixes effortlessly to a creamy consistency with unsurpassed smoothness. Its dust-free formulation promotes a cleaner, safer environment, while the refreshing mint scent improves patient comfort.
Key Features
- Dust-free formulation for cleaner handling
- Smooth consistency with excellent detail capture
- Pleasant mint scent for improved patient experience
- Excellent stone compatibility for clean model pours
- Compact poly-aluminum pouches for extended shelf life
- Easy to mix with minimal bubbles
Common Applications
- Study models and diagnostic impressions
- Custom trays and opposing models
- Mouthguards and bleaching trays
- Removable prostheses
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Image™ Dust-Free Alginate
Scent: Mint
Formula: Dust-free
Packaging: 500 g poly-aluminum pouch
Shelf Life: Extended (sealed pouch)
Application: General dentistry, diagnostics, ortho
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg (500 g)
Price: $9.95 (estimated retail)
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
“Mixes so easily and leaves zero dust behind.”
“Clean, detailed models every time.”
“Love the mint scent—it’s subtle but appreciated by patients.”
