What type of gypsum is used most commonly today for stone dies?

The use of Type V gypsum for stone dies is primarily due to its properties that withstand high strength and low expansion rates, making it ideal for dental applications where precision is crucial. Type V gypsum, often referred to as high-strength stone or resin investment material, is designed to handle the demands of highly detailed dental work.

In dental practices, where accurate impressions and models are essential for fittings and restorations, Type V gypsum provides the necessary durability and dimensional stability. This is particularly important in creating dies for crowns, bridges, and other restorations that require a precise fit. The high compressive strength characteristic of Type V gypsum ensures that the final product can endure the stresses involved during the fabrication process without deforming.

While other types of gypsum, such as Type I (impression plaster), Type II (model plaster), and Type III (die stone), serve specific purposes, they do not possess the high strength and low expansion properties that Type V offers, making them less suitable for creating reliable and accurate dies.