Effect of Spray and Immersion Disinfection on Dimensional Accuracy of Alginate and Elastomeric Impression Material.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the dimensional accuracy of alginate and elastomeric impression materials after spray and immersion disinfection and assessed the impact of storage duration on their stability.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Impressions were made using alginate, condensation silicone, and addition silicone and disinfected using spray (Bacilol 25, Surfasept SA) and immersion (1% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde). Impressions were stored for 1, 3, and 5 hours before pouring. Dimensional changes in stone casts were measured using a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and analyzed using factorial ANOVA.

RESULTS

Alginate impressions showed significant distortion with immersion disinfection, especially after 5 hours of storage (30.06 mm mean length). Spray disinfection provided better dimensional stability across all materials. Addition silicone exhibited minimal changes, making it more suitable for delayed pouring.

CONCLUSION

Immersion disinfection caused greater distortion in alginate, while spray disinfection better preserved accuracy. Immediate pouring is recommended for alginate, while addition silicone remains stable for delayed use. Future research should assess spray disinfection's microbiological efficacy.