A tray used to hold impression material during tooth impressions?

• A. Inlay
• B. Impression tray
• C. Onlay
• D. Denture

Answer: (B)

The device used to hold impression material during a tooth impression is the impression tray. This tray is designed to fit over the dental arch and provide a contained space for material like alginate or silicone to flow around the teeth and gums. It can be stock or custom-made and is often perforated or coated to help the material grip. The tray ensures the material spreads evenly and stays in place while it sets, creating a faithful negative replica that can be poured to make a study model. After setting, the tray and impression are removed together. Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations placed on prepared teeth, while a denture is a removable prosthesis; neither describes the tool used to hold impression material.