What is a common complication of using outdated alginate material?

Using outdated alginate material can lead to an inaccurate impression, which is a primary concern in dental procedures. Alginate impressions are commonly used for creating models as it captures details of the oral anatomy. However, the setting properties and dimensional stability of alginate can deteriorate over time. As the alginate ages, it may not mix properly, which can affect its ability to set and cure accurately. This can result in distortions or inaccuracies in the final impression, which can compromise the fit of dental restorations and appliances.

While increased setting time, allergic reactions, and poor adhesion are potential issues with various impression materials, they do not specifically correlate to the use of outdated alginate. Outdated alginate material primarily affects the accuracy of the impression due to its altered chemical properties over time, leading to compromised results in dental treatment.