What is a common indication for choosing alginate over PVS for impressions?

Opting for alginate impressions in situations where mobile teeth are present is justified due to the flexibility and ease of use that alginate offers. Unlike PVS (polyvinyl siloxane), which can be more rigid and difficult to manage with unstable dentition, alginate's ability to capture details with a more forgiving material allows for effective impression-taking in these scenarios. The softer consistency of alginate helps minimize discomfort and potential trauma to mobile teeth, while still providing adequate detail for diagnostic purposes or preliminary impressions. This makes it an ideal choice when the condition of the adjacent teeth may present challenges during the impression process.

In contrast, the other options generally suggest scenarios where PVS might have advantages such as providing better fidelity in complex restorative cases, which often demand a higher level of accuracy and detail. Aesthetic preliminary impressions typically require materials with superior detail and surface finish, which PVS provides. High viscosity applications may align better with PVS for its ability to maintain form under pressure, something that alginate may not achieve as effectively. Thus, selecting alginate for mobile teeth highlights its unique benefits tailored to that specific clinical situation.