Putty is a versatile material in the dental field used for taking impressions so that professionals can create accurate restorations. It’s one of the most commonly used supplies in any dental practice, which is why you need to keep it stocked at all times.
But, how long does dental putty last? You don’t want to purchase too much and not be able to use it before expiration. Further to that point, does dental putty actually expire, or can you stock up with peace of mind knowing it’ll get used at some point?
As with most things, yes - dental putty has a shelf life, which typically ranges from 1-2 years. That of course depends on how it’s stored, the putty itself, and a few other factors.
You can prolong its lifespan by keeping it stored away from heat, moisture, or direct sunlight - all things that will degrade it over time. Better yet, make sure you’re sourcing the highest quality dental putty from a trusted supplier like My DDS Supply so you can stretch your budget further.
What is Dental Putty?
Before we get into the longevity side of things let’s examine the role of this material in your dental practice. So, what is dental putty?
This silicone-based material is primarily used to take impressions of a patient’s teeth and gums. Dental putty captures fine details with little shrinkage, making it ideal for producing accurate molds. It’s known for its malleability and precision.
It’s essential in restorative and prosthetic dentistry for these reasons, used to create crowns, bridges, dentures, and other custom-fit dental restorations.
The material is mixed from two components – a base and a catalyst – which activate to form a flexible yet firm impression once set. You can learn more about how to make dental putty at home or how to soften dental putty in our blog, but let’s get to the question at hand today.
How Long Does Dental Putty Last?
So, how long does dental putty last? As with questions like how long does dental cement last, there’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all answer. There are simply too many variables at play, from variances in brand formulations to the conditions in which the putty is stored.
That being said, we’ll look at the typical shelf life of unused dental putty below along with some considerations for how long you have to work with it.
Shelf Life of Unused Dental Putty
So, how long does dental putty last when it’s unopened and stored properly? 12 to 24 months tends to be a solid rule of thumb. Of course, stored properly is the key phrase here.
This material can be quite fickle. Too much heat can cause the putty to harden prematurely, while moisture can make it too soft, reducing its ability to capture detailed impressions. We’ll talk storage best-practices in a moment.
However, understanding this shelf-life is essential because using expired dental putty can create massive problems in your practice. For one, the stiff or gummy texture of dental putty that’s past its prime can create inaccurate impressions. There are safety concerns, too.
This is why you must pay attention to expiration dates and regularly rotate your stock to make sure you’re only using fresh putty. Your patients deserve nothing less than the best, after all.
Working Time and Setting Time of Dental Putty
Maybe you came here wondering, how long does dental putty last after you’ve mixed it? If so, what you’re curious about is known as the working time. This is the timeframe in which your putty remains pliable and can be applied to the impression tray or directly onto the tooth.
Generally speaking, you have 1-2 minutes to work with here. Being diligent is essential to take accurate impressions and avoid the hassle of retakes, so you must work efficiently to position the putty in place before it starts setting.
Speaking of setting, there’s another thing to consider: setting time. This is how long you need to leave the putty in your patient’s mouth to harden and hold its shape. This will typically be somewhere between 2-5 minutes depending on the specific putty you’re using.
It’s worth noting that there are two options you can choose from when sourcing putty for your practice: regular and fast-setting times. Each has its place, and you probably need both in your arsenal.
Fast-setting putty can save time in your practice and help you get more done in less time. On the other hand, slower-setting putty is ideal for more complex or intricate cases, where a bit more time is needed to ensure accurate placement.
Don’t worry, My DDS Supply has an excellent selection of both. We’ll talk about what separates our selection from the rest shortly, but let’s look at some storage tips to make the most of any putty you purchase for your practice.
Best Practices for Maximizing the Dental Putty Lifespan
You need to make sure you always have dental putty on hand, but you don’t want to order too much and have it go to waste. Fortunately, this concern can be alleviated with proper storage.
First and foremost, always keep unused putty in its original packaging, tightly sealed, and stored in a cool, dry place. Remember that both extremely hot and cold temperatures can degrade the material’s consistency, causing it to become too hard or soft for proper use.
So, find a place in your practice that you know stays within 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C) and is also shielded from direct sunlight or moisture, as these can speed up its degradation as well.
When it comes to handling putty, make sure you’re using clean, dry dental gloves to avoid introducing contaminants that could compromise its integrity.
Our guide on how to mix impression material can help you streamline things while ensuring favorable outcomes. Overmixing can cause it to set too quickly, while undermixing can result in a poor, inconsistent texture. Neither of these scenarios is ideal.
How to Tell When Dental Putty Has Expired or Gone Bad
Even if you do your best to order the right amount and keep the putty stored perfectly, you need to know what to look for in putty that has past its prime so you can discard it accordingly.
Any noticeable changes in texture are a telltale sign of degradation - too hard and brittle or too soft and gummy both indicate it’s time to part ways with the putty and open a fresh container. Be vigilant of unusual colors or odors, too.
Using expired or degraded putty can lead to inaccurate impressions, which means more time wasted on retakes and potentially poor-fitting dental restorations. So, don’t leave anything to chance. Always inspect the putty before use, and if in doubt, opt for a fresh batch.
Sure, you want to be as operationally efficient as possible - but you’d rather waste a bit of material and ensure favorable outcomes for your patients. You’ve got a reputation to uphold as a reliable, trusted provider in your area!
So, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Source durable, long-lasting dental putty online at My DDS Supply.
Source Durable, Long-Lasting Dental Putty at My DDS Supply
We’re your factory-direct eBay store for all things dental supplies. Thousands of dentists trust us for their essentials because we deliver top-tier products at an unbeatable price with exceptional customer service every step of the way.
You can choose from both Fast Set and Regular Set formulations, each of which is made in Germany from premium quality materials. Our putties are non-toxic and safe for all ages.
They’re incredibly usable, too, so you can maintain high productivity in your practice without compromising on the accuracy of your impressions. You can find all the dental mixing tips and dental impression trays you need to streamline things, too.
Further to that point, My DDS Supply has all your supplies here waiting to be discovered - from dental gauze to temporary dental cement, dental alginate impression material, VPS dental impression material, bite registration trays, and more.
So, stock up on the essentials today and see for yourself why dentists across the country choose to source their supplies here at My DDS Supply. We’re confident you’ll be back for more!
Final Thoughts on How Long Dental Putty Lasts
In closing, how long does dental putty last? While it all depends on the brand in question and how you store it, 1-2 years is a safe estimate for the typical dental putty shelf life.
Our blog has more resources on topics like how strong is dental cement, what is the purpose of a temporary crown, how to use sterilization pouches, bad alginate impression, temporary crown procedure, and more.
But at this point, it’s time to experience dental supply sourcing as it was intended. Shop at My DDS Supply and discover the difference our top tier supplies can make in your dental practice!