EFFECT OF DISINFECTANT SOLUTIONS ON THE WETTABILITY OF ADDITION SILICONE IMPRESSION MATERIALS AT TWO DIFFERENT EXPOSURE PERIODS- AN IN VITRO STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the surface wettability of addition silicone impression materials, which were treated with two different disinfecting agents for two different time intervals. Methods: Twenty-five rectangle-shaped specimens from each of two different addition silicone impression materials (Express GT and Flexceed) were prepared. Five samples from each impression material were kept as the control without any disinfection. The rest of the specimens were divided into two groups according to the disinfecting agents, (2% Glutaraldehyde and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite) and disinfected for two time periods (10 minutes, and 60 minutes). Later, surface wettability was tested and recorded. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The mean contact angle values of both impression materials at 10 minutes of disinfection were reduced when compared to the control group (without disinfection). As the disinfection time increases there was a tendency of decreasing the contact angle for Flexceed and Express GT impression material for glutaraldehyde disinfectant. But for Flexceed, the mean contact angle values increased after 60 minutes of disinfection with sodium hypochlorite.