Dental stone (alpha-hemihydrate) is stronger than dental plaster (beta-hemihydrate) mainly because stone:

  • Correct answer

    Requires less mixing water because its particles are denser and more regular

  • Contains a higher proportion of calcium sulfate dihydrate in the powder

  • Sets with a greater setting expansion

  • Contains potassium sulfate as an accelerator

This question is one of 15 in AFK practice: Biomedical sciences. Test yourself on all of them.

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Explanations

  • Alpha-hemihydrate particles are dense and regularly shaped, so less water is needed for a workable mix; less excess water means less porosity and higher strength in the set material. Setting expansion does not account for strength.

    Source: Sakaguchi and Powers, Craig's Restorative Dental Materials — oneguy

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