Why is it important to avoid air bubbles when mixing alginate?

Avoiding air bubbles when mixing alginate is crucial because air bubbles can lead to inaccuracies in the final model. When alginate is used to create impressions, any trapped air can result in voids or imperfections in the impression surface. These imperfections will subsequently be reproduced in the final model, leading to a less accurate representation of the original morphology. Such inaccuracies can affect any subsequent processes, including the fitting of dental appliances or crowns.

The presence of air bubbles not only disrupts the detail captured in the impression but can also affect the overall quality of the work being produced, making precise communication of details essential in dental and orthodontic applications. Ensuring a smooth and bubble-free mixture helps in achieving a faithful reproduction of the teeth or soft tissues being imaged.