A pilot study of polymerization inhibition of poly (vinyl siloxane) materials by latex gloves

Intraoral inhibition of two poly (vinyl siloxane) low-viscosity impression materials was experienced when making an impression of prepared anterior teeth. It was hypothesized that the noted inhibition was a result of contamination with latex gloves. A screening test demonstrated inhibition of polymerization of three different materials when placed in contact with a surface that had been touched with one brand of latex gloves. This inhibition also occurred even if the gloves were washed prior to contact or if the surface was washed after contact with the gloves. Further studies are underway to determine which brands of gloves are safe to use.