Table 1: Comparison of product size and package quantityProduct Package Quantity Size VPS Tray Adhesive 1/Pkg 17 ml Caulk® VPS Tray Adhesive 1/Pkg 14 ml Patterson® Aerosol Alginate Tray Adhesive 1/Pkg 3.5 oz Polyether Tray Adhesive N/A 17 ml Patterson® Liquid Tray Adhesive 2/Pkg 0.5 oz Universal VPS Adhesive 1/Pkg 7 ml Hold™ Tray Adhesive N/A N/A TAC™ Tray Adhesive Compound N/A N/A Genie® VPS Tray Adhesive 1/Pkg 14 ml Coltene VPS Tray Adhesive 1/Pkg 10 ml
Table 2: Comparison of key features and indications
Product | Key Features and Indications |
---|---|
VPS Tray Adhesive | Bonds between impression trays and VPS impression materials |
Caulk® VPS Tray Adhesive | Enhances adhesion of VPS impression materials to rigid stock metal or plastic, custom acrylic, and double-arch type impression trays |
Patterson® Aerosol Alginate Tray Adhesive | Used to hold alginate impression material in the impression tray securely |
Polyether Tray Adhesive | Ensures adhesion between polyether impression material and the impression tray. Indicated for use with all metal trays and custom methacrylate trays. |
Patterson® Liquid Tray Adhesive | Securely holds alginate in the tray when the impression is removed from the patient’s mouth |
Universal VPS Adhesive | Assists in the administration of impression materials and ensures they remain in the tray during removal |
Hold™ Tray Adhesive | Provides strong and consistent retention of impression materials |
TAC™ Tray Adhesive Compound | Securely holds the alginate in the tray when the impression is removed from the patient’s mouth. Alcohol-based for faster drying and easier clean-up. |
Genie® VPS Tray Adhesive | Used with Genie® VPS Impression Material to produce remarkably detailed and precise impressions every time |
Coltene VPS Tray Adhesive | Universal adhesive for silicone-based dental impression materials. Serves as an adhesive bonding agent between the impression material and the impression tray. |
Table 3: Comparison of shelf life and manufacturer
Product | Manufacturer | Shelf Life |
---|---|---|
VPS Tray Adhesive | 3M | N/A |
Caulk® VPS Tray Adhesive | Caulk® | N/A |
Patterson® Aerosol Alginate Tray Adhesive | Patterson® | N/A |
Polyether Tray Adhesive | N/A | Decreased from 36 months to 24 months |
Patterson® Liquid Tray Adhesive | Patterson® | N/A |
Universal VPS Adhesive | N/A | N/A |
Hold™ Tray Adhesive | Water Pik Technologies | N/A |
TAC™ Tray Adhesive Compound | Keystone Industries | N/A |
Genie® VPS Tray Adhesive | Genie® | N/A |
Coltene VPS Tray Adhesive | Coltene | N/A |
Top 10 Dental Impression Materials
1. VPS Tray Adhesive

Product Description
VPS Tray Adhesive by 3M is designed to ensure a secure bond between impression trays and vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression materials. This adhesive helps eliminate displacement or distortion during removal, ensuring highly accurate dental impressions.
Product Overview
Formulated for use with VPS materials, this adhesive enhances the adhesion of the impression material to metal or plastic trays. Its fast-drying formula is easy to apply and ensures optimal tray retention throughout the procedure.
Key Features
- Creates a strong, reliable bond between trays and VPS materials
- Reduces risk of impression distortion during tray removal
- Compatible with metal and plastic impression trays
- Quick and easy application
- Ideal for precision dental impression techniques
Common Applications
- Use with VPS impression materials
- Securing impression material to custom or stock trays
- Crown, bridge, and implant impression procedures
Technical Specifications
- Product Type: Tray Adhesive
- Compatible Material: Vinyl polysiloxane (VPS)
- Size: 17 ml
- Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
- Manufacturer: 3M
Customer Ratings
4.9/5 from prosthodontists and general dentists
Customer Feedback
- Reliable adhesion—my impressions stay put every time.
- Fast drying and easy to apply.
2. Caulk® VPS Tray Adhesive

Product Description
Caulk VPS Tray Adhesive is formulated to improve the bond between vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression materials and a variety of tray types. It helps ensure impressions stay firmly attached to the tray during and after removal from the mouth, minimizing distortion.
Product Overview
This adhesive is compatible with rigid stock metal, plastic, custom acrylic, and double-arch trays. Its strong adhesion properties contribute to the accuracy and reliability of the final impression, making it ideal for restorative and prosthodontic procedures.
Key Features
- Enhances adhesion between VPS materials and tray surfaces
- Compatible with metal, plastic, custom acrylic, and double-arch trays
- Helps prevent distortion during tray removal
- Supports consistent and accurate impression results
- Easy-to-use brush-on application
Common Applications
- Securing VPS material in custom or stock trays
- Crown and bridge impression procedures
- Use in both single- and double-arch tray techniques
Technical Specifications
- Product Type: Tray Adhesive
- Compatible Material: Vinyl polysiloxane (VPS)
- Tray Compatibility: Metal, plastic, acrylic, double-arch
- Size: 14 ml
- Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
- Brand: Caulk®
Customer Ratings
4.8/5 from restorative and prosthetic dental professionals
Customer Feedback
- Excellent retention with all tray types.
- Ensures distortion-free removal—great for crown work
3. Patterson® Aerosol Alginate Tray Adhesive

Product Overview
This adhesive is specifically formulated for use with alginate impression materials. Its fast-drying spray creates a strong bond between the impression tray and material, minimizing distortion or separation during removal from the patient’s mouth.
Key Features
- Aerosol spray allows for quick and uniform application
- Strong adhesion prevents impression pull-away
- Compatible with alginate-based impression materials
- Dries quickly for efficient procedure workflow
- Made in the USA
Common Applications
- Bonding alginate impression material to trays
- Use in diagnostic models and preliminary impressions
- Suitable for use with metal or plastic impression trays
Technical Specifications
- Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
- Size: 3.5 oz
- Format: Aerosol spray
- Material Compatibility: Alginate impression materials
Customer Feedback
Customers appreciate the consistent spray coverage and reliable adhesion it provides during impression procedures.
4. Polyether Tray Adhesive

Product Overview
This tray adhesive is compatible with all metal and custom methacrylate trays. The improved formulation features a red color for easier visual confirmation of coverage, and a slight increase in drying time to enhance bonding effectiveness with polyether materials.
Key Features
- Specifically designed for polyether impression materials
- Suitable for metal and custom methacrylate trays
- New red color for easier visibility during application
- Adjusted drying time of 1 minute for improved adhesion
- Shelf life reduced to 24 months for fresher stock control
Common Applications
- Bonding polyether impression material to trays
- Use in fixed prosthodontics and restorative procedures
- Ideal for precision impressions requiring dimensional stability
Technical Specifications
Customer Feedback
- Color: Red
- Drying Time: Approximately 1 minute
- Shelf Life: 24 months
- Compatible Tray Types: Metal and custom methacrylate trays
- Material Compatibility: Polyether impression materials
Clinicians have noted improved visibility during application and consistent performance with polyether materials since the formulation update.
5. Patterson® Liquid Tray Adhesive

Product Overview
Formulated specifically for alginate impression materials, this liquid adhesive provides dependable retention between the impression tray and material. It helps eliminate pull-away or distortion during removal, ensuring detailed, stable impressions.
Key Features
- Strong bond between alginate and impression tray
- Minimizes distortion during impression removal
- Easy-to-use liquid application
- Designed for use with metal or plastic trays
- Reliable performance with alginate materials
Common Applications
- Bonding alginate material in impression trays
- Preliminary impressions for study models or prosthetics
- Compatible with both stock and custom trays
Technical Specifications
- Package Quantity: 2/Pkg
- Size: 0.5 oz per bottle
- Format: Liquid adhesive
- Material Compatibility: Alginate impression materials
Customer Feedback
Users value its ease of application and consistent retention, making it a dependable choice for alginate-based procedures.
6. Universal VPS Adhesive

Product Overview
This universal adhesive enhances the retention of VPS materials to a variety of tray types. It ensures the impression material remains stable throughout the procedure, reducing the chance of distortion or displacement upon tray removal.
Key Features
- Compatible with all VPS impression materials
- Ensures strong adhesion to metal, plastic, or custom trays
- Prevents separation and distortion during removal
- Easy brush-on liquid application
- Consistent performance in diverse clinical environments
Common Applications
- Bonding VPS impression material to impression trays
- Use in crown, bridge, and implant impression procedures
- Suitable for both preliminary and final impressions
Technical Specifications
- Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
- Size: 7 ml
- Format: Liquid brush-on adhesive
- Material Compatibility: Vinyl polysiloxane (VPS)
- Old Manufacturer Number: 138912-1
Customer Feedback
Practitioners report reliable results and secure material retention across various tray types, making it a trusted choice for VPS-based impressions
7. Hold™ Tray Adhesive by Water Pik Technologies

Product Overview
This adhesive is ideal for use with alginate impression materials, offering enhanced tray retention to minimize distortion or separation. It is not suitable for use with elastomeric materials, ensuring its formulation is optimized for alginate performance.
Key Features
- Provides strong adhesion for alginate materials
- Delivers consistent retention during impression removal
- Optimized for metal and plastic trays
- Not intended for use with elastomeric materials
- Helps reduce the risk of impression distortion
Common Applications
- Securing alginate impression material to trays
- Use in diagnostic impressions and study models
- Ideal for general dental practices
Technical Specifications
- Material Compatibility: Alginate impression materials only
- Format: Liquid adhesive
- Not recommended for elastomeric materials
Customer Feedback
Clinicians appreciate its strong bonding capabilities and reliability in routine alginate impression procedures.
8. TAC™ Tray Adhesive Compound by Keystone Industries

Product Overview
Formulated for use with alginate materials, TAC™ adhesive ensures impressions remain firmly in place during tray removal. Its alcohol-based composition allows for quick drying and simple removal with isopropyl alcohol, improving workflow and convenience in clinical settings.
Key Features
- Available in spray or brush-on liquid formats
- Strong bond for alginate impression materials
- Alcohol-based for faster drying time
- Easily dissolves with isopropyl alcohol for cleanup
- Designed for reliable retention and reduced distortion
Common Applications
- Bonding alginate material to impression trays
- Used in diagnostic and preliminary impressions
- Ideal for general and prosthodontic dental procedures
Technical Specifications
- Format: Aerosol spray or brush-on liquid
- Base: Alcohol
- Material Compatibility: Alginate impression materials
- Cleanup: Soluble with isopropyl alcohol
Customer Feedback
Dental professionals value the quick drying time and ease of cleanup, making TAC™ a convenient choice for everyday alginate impressions.
9. Genie® VPS Tray Adhesive

Product Overview
Designed to complement Genie® VPS materials, this adhesive ensures a strong bond between the impression tray and material. It helps produce consistently accurate impressions across various viscosities and setting times, supporting precise clinical outcomes.
Key Features
- Optimized for use with Genie® VPS Impression Materials
- Ensures secure adhesion to impression trays
- Compatible with all Genie® viscosities and set times
- Maintains detail accuracy and impression stability
- Easy brush-on application
Common Applications
- Bonding Genie® VPS material to trays
- Use in crown, bridge, and implant impression techniques
- Suitable for both single- and multi-viscosity applications
Technical Specifications
- Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
- Size: 14 ml
- Format: Brush-on liquid
- Material Compatibility: Genie® VPS impression materials
Customer Feedback
Clinicians report reliable adhesion and high-quality impression results across multiple techniques when used with Genie® VPS products.
10. Coltene VPS Tray Adhesive

Product Overview
Designed for compatibility with vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) materials, this adhesive enhances retention and reduces the risk of separation or distortion. Its dependable formula provides consistent performance across a wide range of silicone-based procedures.
Key Features
- Universal adhesive for silicone-based impression materials
- Strong bond between VPS material and tray
- Supports accuracy in impression detail
- Suitable for use with metal, plastic, or custom trays
- Easy liquid application for even coverage
Common Applications
- Securing VPS impression material in trays
- Use in crown, bridge, and implant impressions
- Ideal for final impression procedures requiring dimensional stability
Technical Specifications
- Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
- Size: 10 ml
- Format: Brush-on liquid
- Material Compatibility: Silicone-based (VPS) impression materials
Customer Feedback
Users note its reliability and strong hold across various impression tray types, making it a trusted choice for silicone-based impressions.