Effect of disinfectant agents on dimensional stability of elastomeric impression materials

Statement of problem. Difficulties in sterilizing impressions by traditional methods have led to chemical disinfection as an alternative, and some studies have shown that disinfectants may adversely affect impressions. Purpose. This study investigated the effect of disinfection methods on the dimensional stability of 6 elastomeric materials. Material and methods. Impression materials were submitted to the following treatments: immersion in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution for 10 minutes, immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde solution for 30 minutes, and no immersion (control). After treatments, impressions were poured, and respective stone casts were measured with a Nikon Profile projector and compared with the master model. Results. The elastomeric materials had different reproduction capacities, and the disinfecting treatments did not differ from the control. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;81:621-4.)