Which impression material has the highest flexibility according to the defined range?

Alginate is widely recognized for its high flexibility among impression materials. This characteristic is essential during the removal of impressions from the oral cavity, particularly when capturing detailed anatomy without distorting the impression. Alginate's flexibility allows it to easily accommodate undercuts and contour irregularities without tearing, making it an ideal choice for full arch impressions and preliminary casts.

In comparison, while polysulfide and silicone materials also possess a degree of flexibility, they are generally stiffer than alginate, which may limit their ability to capture detailed features in certain situations. Additionally, polyether, while excellent in dimensional stability and accuracy, tends to be less flexible than alginate, which can make its use in certain types of impressions more challenging, especially where undercuts are involved.

The inherent properties of alginate make it suitable for a variety of applications in dentistry, particularly for situations where ease of removal and the ability to adapt to irregularities are crucial.