What technique can improve the working time of alginate during dental procedures?

Adding water colder than room temperature is the correct technique for improving the working time of alginate during dental procedures. This is because alginate, being a temperature-sensitive material, has a quicker setting reaction at higher temperatures. When colder water is used, it slows down the setting process, providing the practitioner with more time to work with the material before it begins to set. This is particularly important in dental applications where accuracy and detail are essential for creating impressions.

On the other hand, using warm water would reduce the working time as it speeds up the setting process. Mixing faster could create a more homogenous mixture but does not significantly impact the working time. Lastly, using less water can alter the consistency of the alginate but does not inherently extend the working time; rather, it could compromise the material's properties.