[Disinfection of dental impressions]

The need for disinfection of dental impressions is generally postulated. While many disinfectants for elastomeric impression materials have been recommended for at least ten years, several authors recently described suitable disinfectants for alginate impressions. Disinfectants for reversible hydrocolloid materials are in the phase of practical testing, and show promising first results. Under practical and scientific aspects further investigations are necessary to evaluate standards and standardized testing procedures.