The dimensional stability of dental impression materials following immersion in disinfecting solutions

Objectives This investigation examined the effect of several disinfectant systems upon the dimensional stability of a range of common dental impression materials. A new disinfection process based upon hypochlorous acid was one of those examined (Sterilox®). Methods Test specimens of commercially available impression materials from the following categories were investigated: alginates, addition-cured silicones, condensation-cured silicones and polyether. Three disinfection regimes were tested: sodium hypochlorite 5.25%, Perform ID® and Sterilox®. A custom-built automatic laser micrometer was used to measure the dimensions of sample discs of the test materials before disinfection, immediately after and then following 24 h storage. Analysis of variance was employed to identify statistically significant differences within groups and across groups. Results All the disinfection routines tested resulted in acceptable levels of dimensional stability within the category of normal use of each impression material. All the materials tested can be disinfected with 10% Sterilox without undergoing unacceptable levels of dimensional change. Significance All the disinfection routines tested resulted in acceptable levels of dimensional stability within the category of normal use of each impression material.