Evaluation of the Effect of Latex and Nitrile Gloves on Polymerization of Elastomeric Impression Materials

Background: The use of latex gloves is an essential solution to break the chain of infection. Due to the relatively high incidence of allergies from latex gloves, nitrile gloves are considered an alternative to them. Surface inhibition of polymerization of polyvinyl siloxane impression materials has been identified as a significant complicating factor in the construction of indirect restorations. This study has been designed to determine the effect of latex and nitrile gloves on polymerization inhibition of elastomeric impression putties.Methods: This in vitro study included a total of 120 specimens of two additional silicone and one condensation silicone putties. A single operator mixed base and catalyst of putties with bare hands and another one placed specimens on a clean alcohol-treated slab at room temperature as in 4 groups as follows: by washed hands (control group), powdered latex, powder-free latex, and nitrile gloves. The extent of polymerization was evaluated by observation and divided into two groups: inhibited and non-inhibited. Data were analyzed by Fisher's exact test (α = 0.05). Results: In the condensation silicone putty group, the polymerization inhibition in contact with any of the gloves wasn’t statistically significant (P-value = 1). However; the powdered latex glove, unlike other types of gloves, significantly inhibited the polymerization of selected additional silicone putties. (P-value = 0.0001)Conclusion: This study shows that the use of powdered latex during impression-making procedures should be contraindicated and the use of nitrile or powder-free latex gloves should be emphasized when working with elastomeric impression materials.Keywords: elastomeric impression materials, latex glove, nitrile glove