Which type of impression is used to capture the details of the maxillary arch?

To accurately capture the intricate details of the maxillary arch, polyvinyl siloxane impression material is highly effective due to its excellent dimensional stability, accuracy, and ability to capture fine details. This material has superior properties in terms of flow and flexibility, allowing it to capture the nuances of the maxillary arch while minimizing distortions. It also offers a range of viscosities, making it adaptable to various impression techniques, which further enhances its utility in dental practice.

The other materials listed, like alginate and impression compound, have their specific uses, such as preliminary impressions for study casts or denture fabrication. However, they do not provide the same level of detail and precision as polyvinyl siloxane. Alginate tends to be less accurate for long-term impressions due to its ability to distort over time, and while impression compound can adequately capture shapes, it is often not as precise for detailed impressions compared to polyvinyl siloxane.