What Is the Difference Between Dental Stone and Plaster of Paris?

By Robert Palmer

If you’ve ever had a dental procedure, chances are that your dentist used either dental stone or plaster of Paris. While they may seem like similar materials, there are some key differences between the two.

What is Dental Stone?

Dental stone, also known as dental plaster or die stone, is a gypsum-based material that is used to make dental casts. It is made by heating gypsum to remove the water content, then adding a binder and other additives to improve its strength and setting time.

Uses of Dental Stone

Dental stone is commonly used in dentistry for making impressions of teeth and surrounding tissues. It can also be used for creating models of prosthetic devices such as dentures and crowns.

Properties of Dental Stone

Dental stone has a high compressive strength, which makes it ideal for creating accurate and durable models. It also has a low setting expansion, which means that it will not distort or shrink during the setting process.

What is Plaster of Paris?

Plaster of Paris is another type of gypsum-based material that is widely used in various industries. It is made by heating gypsum to a high temperature to remove the water content, then grinding it into a fine powder.

Uses of Plaster of Paris

Plaster of Paris has many uses outside dentistry. It can be used for making molds for sculptures, as well as for creating decorative architectural elements such as cornices and ceiling medallions.

Properties of Plaster of Paris

Plaster of Paris has a lower compressive strength than dental stone, but it sets faster and has a higher setting expansion. This makes it more suitable for applications where speed and ease of use are more important than precision.

Differences between Dental Stone and Plaster of Paris

The main differences between dental stone and plaster of Paris are their compressive strength, setting expansion, and intended use. Dental stone has a higher compressive strength, lower setting expansion, and is specifically designed for dental applications. Plaster of Paris has a lower compressive strength, higher setting expansion, and is used mainly for non-dental applications.

Conclusion

In summary, while dental stone and plaster of Paris may appear similar at first glance, they have distinct differences in their properties and intended uses. It’s important to use the right material for the job to ensure accurate results and optimal performance.