When selecting replacement gingiva for your dental training typodonts, understanding the distinct advantages of each material ensures you choose the right option for your curriculum's needs.

Silicone Gingiva (GSF) delivers exceptional realism in both color and texture, creating a lifelike clinical simulation experience. This material excels for general restorative and periodontal training, including matrix band placement and cord packing. The realistic appearance helps students develop tactile sensitivity and transition confidently to clinical settings.

Urethane Gingiva (GUB) offers superior durability and practical functionality for impression-focused training. This material resists adhesion from silicone impression materials, making it ideal for prosthodontic techniques and retraction cord placement. The enhanced durability withstands repeated mechanical stress, providing longer service life in high-volume practice environments.

Semi-Translucent Silicone Gingiva (GSE) features a pink accent allowing visualization of instruments and underlying structures through the tissue. This option proves invaluable for teaching proper instrument placement, helping instructors demonstrate and verify technique without removing the gingiva.

Clear Silicone Gingiva (GSD) are identical to the GSF silicone gums listed above but completely clear to allow full visibility of the root and model material.

Recommendations by Program Focus:

For prosthodontic and impression courses, urethane (GUB) provides necessary durability and material compatibility. For restorative and periodontal training prioritizing realism, standard silicone (GSF) offers authentic experience. For technique demonstration and instrument placement instruction, semi-translucent silicone (GSE) enables visual confirmation of proper positioning.

Many programs benefit from maintaining multiple options, matching gingiva material to specific learning objectives.