Impression making..what constitutes a “perfect” dental master impression? Dental laboratories report that 70 % of the impressions they receive are “less than ideal.” Management of the soft tissue is the key that unlocks the perfect impression. Techniques including mechanical retraction (Cord), Chemo-mechanical retraction (using retraction/deflection materials, such as Expa-syl), and Laser retraction (troughing) will be discussed. Techniques to make the master impression, including the use of injectable light bodied, and rigid tray materials will be demonstrated and discussed. Finally, a discussion of impression materials themselves, including Poly Vinyl Siloxanes, PolyEthers, and the newer Vinyl PolyEther Silicones, impressions trays, and the importance of the opposing model in the overall delivery process will conclude this” information packed” presentation.   ( disclaimer )