What is a key property of alginate that makes it suitable for impressions?

Alginate is categorized as an irreversible hydrocolloid, which is a key property that makes it particularly suitable for making impressions. This means that once it sets and hardens, it cannot return to its original liquid state. This characteristic allows alginate to accurately capture fine details of the structures it is applied to, such as teeth and oral tissues, as it conforms well during the setting process. After it has set, the impression retains its shape, allowing for a precise reproduction for various dental applications.

While alginate is indeed flexible when set, non-toxic, and widely utilized in the dental field due to its safe nature, these properties do not specifically highlight why it is preferred for making impressions compared to its classification as an irreversible hydrocolloid. Additionally, alginate impressions cannot be reused, as they are designed for single-use; this further distinguishes it from some other materials used in dental applications.