What is another term commonly used for irreversible hydrocolloid?

The term commonly used for irreversible hydrocolloid is alginate. Alginate is a natural polysaccharide derived from seaweed, and it is widely used in dentistry for making impression materials. Its characteristics make it ideal for capturing accurate dental impressions, as it forms a gel-like consistency upon mixing with water, yet cannot be returned to its liquid form after it sets. This property of being irreversible is essential for producing stable and accurate impressions.

Collagen and gelatin, while related as they are both protein-based substances used in various applications, do not share the same properties or uses as alginate when it comes to dental impressions. Agar, although it is also a hydrocolloid, is classified as a reversible one, which means it can return to a liquid state upon heating. This contrasts with alginate's irreversible nature, which is critical in the dental setting where precise impressions are needed. Thus, the unique features and applications of alginate in dentistry clearly make it the correct term for irreversible hydrocolloid.