Pouring Strong Foundations: The Science of Dental Stone

When you send an impression, the very first step a lab takes is pouring it in stone. But here’s a detail that often goes unnoticed — different types of stone serve different purposes, and the type we use impacts the accuracy, strength, and outcome of your case.

Types of Dental Stone

Plaster (Type II – White): Lower strength, often used for simple study models or for orthodontic setups.

Dental Stone (Type III – Yellow): Our most common choice for working casts — strong enough for most removable cases while maintaining accuracy.

High-Strength Stone (Type IV – Green or Pink): Used when precision is critical, such as crown & bridge dies, implant cases, or complex partials.

High-Strength, High-Expansion (Type V – Often Blue): Designed for certain high-heat applications like casting metals where expansion is required.

Why It Matters

Color Coding = Clarity
A quick glance tells the lab and the doctor what type of model they’re working with.

Accuracy = Fit
Using the right stone minimizes distortion, ensuring your dentures and partials fit beautifully on the first try.

Strength = Durability
Models need to withstand trimming, articulation, and processing — the wrong stone can crumble or chip.

At Denture Crafters, we don’t just pour a model — we choose the right foundation for the right case, every time. That’s one of the many small details that add up to big differences in fit and function for your patients.

👉 Have questions about which stone is best for your upcoming case? We’re happy to walk you through our process.