Effect of the disinfection technique on the linear dimensional stability of dental impression materials

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensional stability of heavy and light bodied condensation silicones after immersion in disinfectant solution for 10 or 20 minutes. The impression materials were Optosil Comfort and Xantopren VL Plus and the disinfectant solutions were 1% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde. Impressions were made on a perforated stainless steel tray, according to the American Dental Association specification No. 19, adding up to a total of 50 samples. The double mixing method (one time, two viscosities) was used. Impressions were removed from the roulette block after 7 minutes to ensure complete curing and then immersed in the solutions. Impressions not submitted to treatment composed the control group. After these steps, the impressions were removed from the solution, rinsed in running water and air-dried. Three-dimensional measurements were calculated using an optic microscope graduated at 0.001 mm. The two-way ANOVA indicated no differences (p>0.05) for any combination between variables. The results showed that the solution studied can be safely used to disinfect condensation silicone in clinical prosthodontic procedures.