It is used to create accurate and reliable preliminary impressions in prosthetic dentistry, especially for edentulous patients.

To take impressions using impression compound, first ensure the tray and surrounding area are clean. To soften impression compound, place the compound in a warm water bath or use a heating device to make it more pliable. Apply the compound evenly around the periphery of the impression tray, ensuring it covers the edges and forms a solid base. Insert the tray into the patient's mouth and press gently to ensure proper contact with the oral structures. Allow the compound to set and harden, then carefully remove the tray, making sure the impression is intact. Finally, check the impression for accuracy and detail before proceeding with further steps.

Alginate is a flexible, quick-setting material used for preliminary impressions and diagnostic models in both edentulous and non-edentulous patients due to its ease of use and affordability. Impression compound, on the other hand, is a rigid, wax-based material specifically designed for precise and stable impressions in edentulous patients and for detailed prosthetic applications.