From which arch is the initial impression typically started?

From which arch is the initial impression typically started?

• A. Upper jaw
• B. Hard palate
• C. Lower jaw
• D. Right half of the dental arch

Answer: (C)

Starting with the lower arch is a common practice because it gives you a simpler, more stable first impression and tends to be more comfortable for the patient. The mandibular arch is smaller and easier to capture accurately, with fewer deep undercuts to distort the tray as you seat it. Once the lower impression is set, you have a reliable base to reference and you can seat the upper arch more cleanly, reducing the chance of distortion and helping with proper occlusal relations when you pour and trim the casts. In short, beginning with the lower jaw streamlines technique, boosts accuracy, and improves patient tolerance for the full-arch impression.

Starting with the lower arch is a common practice because it gives you a simpler, more stable first impression and tends to be more comfortable for the patient. The mandibular arch is smaller and easier to capture accurately, with fewer deep undercuts to distort the tray as you seat it. Once the lower impression is set, you have a reliable base to reference and you can seat the upper arch more cleanly, reducing the chance of distortion and helping with proper occlusal relations when you pour and trim the casts. In short, beginning with the lower jaw streamlines technique, boosts accuracy, and improves patient tolerance for the full-arch impression.