What is the order of tear strength from strongest to weakest among elastomeric impression materials?

The order of tear strength from strongest to weakest among elastomeric impression materials is indeed established as polysulfides, silicones, and then polyethers. Polysulfide materials exhibit the highest tear strength due to their robust polymer chains and cross-linking, which provide excellent elasticity and resistance to tearing during removal from the mouth.

Silicones follow, demonstrating good tear strength but generally not surpassing that of polysulfides. They offer superior dimensional stability and ease of use but are slightly less resilient to tearing compared to polysulfides.

Polyethers, while known for their excellent dimensional accuracy and hydrophilicity, typically have the lowest tear strength among these three categories. Their structure makes them more susceptible to tearing when subjected to stress.

Understanding this hierarchy helps clinicians to select the most appropriate material for different clinical scenarios, where the tear strength can be crucial for the quality of the impression taken.