What is another name for polysulfide impression material?

Polysulfide impression material is indeed commonly referred to as rubber base. This type of material is utilized in dentistry for making precise impressions due to its excellent elastic properties and dimensional stability. The term "rubber base" highlights its rubber-like characteristics, which provide the flexibility needed to capture fine details from the oral structures after removal from the mouth.

In contrast, while silicone and vinyl polysiloxane are similar in some ways due to their elastomeric properties, they are distinct materials with different compositions and characteristics. Alginate is a hydrophilic impression material, typically not derived from the sulfide compounds that define polysulfide materials. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why "rubber base" is the apt terminology for polysulfide impression materials.