What characteristic is typical of polyether impression materials?

Polyether impression materials are known for their excellent hydrophilicity, which is a crucial characteristic in dental applications. This hydrophilic nature allows the material to effectively capture details even in the presence of moisture, making it ideal for situations where there is saliva or blood. The ability to maintain accuracy in such conditions contributes significantly to the quality of the impressions taken. Good hydrophilicity also means that polyether materials can wet the tooth structure better, leading to more precise reproductions of the dental anatomy.

In contrast, although low viscosity and high flexibility may seem advantageous in certain contexts, these traits are not defining features of polyether materials compared to other impression materials. Heat sensitivity is also not relevant in this context, as polyether materials are more stable and not particularly prone to changes with temperature fluctuations like other materials can be. Overall, the hydrophilic characteristic significantly enhances the performance of polyether impression materials in dental practice.