What type of alginate has a working time of 2 minutes and a setting time of 4-5 minutes?

The appropriate choice is regular set alginate, which is characterized by its working time of around 2 minutes and a setting time of 4-5 minutes. This type of alginate provides a balance that allows dental professionals to mix and place it effectively within a short time frame before it begins to set. The working time allows for adequate manipulation and adjustments, while the setting time ensures that it solidifies adequately for accurate impressions.

In the context of dental assisting, understanding the timing associated with different types of alginate is essential for ensuring successful impressions. Regular set alginate is versatile and commonly used in various procedures, making it a staple in dental practices. The other types, such as fast set and instant set alginates, have shorter setting times which may not provide the same level of workability for complex cases. Conversely, a slow set alginate would offer a longer working time, which can be less desirable for many applications where a quicker turnaround is needed.