Which material is commonly used for the construction of study models for orthodontic purposes?

The material commonly used for the construction of study models for orthodontic purposes is alginate. Alginate is a flexible and easy-to-use impression material derived from seaweed, which captures the details of the dental arch and surrounding tissues effectively. It is particularly favored in orthodontics because it sets quickly, allows for the creation of accurate, workable models, and is relatively inexpensive.

Regarding its application in orthodontics, the study models created from alginate impressions provide a valuable representation of the patient's anatomy, facilitating treatment planning, monitoring changes over time, and creating custom appliances.

While gypsum is used for making the models themselves once the impressions are taken, it's the alginate that forms the initial impression. Other options, such as composite resin and dental wax, are not typically used for creating study models in orthodontics. Composite resin is more commonly utilized for restorations and repairs, while dental wax serves various functions in dentistry but is not suitable for capturing detailed impressions.