Comparative evaluation of dimensional stability of impression materials from developing countries and developed countries after disinfection with different immersion disinfectant systems and ultraviolet chamber

OBJECTIVES: It was to analyse and compare the effect of different disinfectant systems on the dimensional stability of commonly used irreversible hydrocolloid and addition silicone impression materials from developing countries as compared to materials from developed countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Disinfectant systems used were glutaraldehyde, sodium hypochlorite and ultraviolet chamber. The stability after disinfection of commonly used alginate and addition silicone of native origin (Algin-Gum & Ad-Sil) was compared with similar impression materials from developed countries (Vignette and Aquasil) and results compared. A CAD/CAM manufactured stainless steel die simulating maxilla with four metal studs at canine and molar region was used. Impressions were made and disinfected after rinsing and drying and casts poured. The cross arch distance, interabutment distance and the occluso-gingival length of the studs was measured under traveling microscope and observations were recorded and compared. ANOVA test and Bonferroni test was applied. RESULTS: An increase in the interabutment and cross arch distance and decrease in occluso-gingival height was seen in the casts obtained. Glutaraldehyde immersion showed variation in the interabutment and cross arch distance for all materials studied. Ultraviolet chamber and sodium hypochlorite produced best results. Dimensional stability of impression materials like Vignette, Algin-Gum & Aquasil was found to within clinically acceptable limits after disinfection while maximum deviation was seen with Algin-Gum. CONCLUSION: Evaluated materials can be safely disinfected with sodium hypochlorite and ultraviolet chamber. Addition silicone of native origin is at par with impression materials from developed countries but same cannot be said about alginate.