OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the disinfection efficacy of the two most frequently used disinfectants, sodium hypochlorite and glutaraldehyde, and their effects on the surface properties of four different dental impression materials. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in four databases until May 1st, 2022 to select the studies which evaluated disinfection efficacy of disinfectants or surface properties of dental impressions after chemical disinfection. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 50 studies were included through electronic database searches. Of these studies, 13 studies evaluated disinfection efficacy of two disinfectants, and 39 studies evaluated their effects on the surface properties of dental impressions. A 10-minute disinfection with 0.5-1% sodium hypochlorite or 2% glutaraldehyde was effective to inactivate oral flora and common oral pathogenic bacteria. With regard to surface properties, chemical disinfection within 30 min could not alter the dimensional stability, detail reproduction and wettability of alginate and polyether impressions. However, the wettability of addition silicone impressions and the dimensional stability of condensation silicone impressions were adversely affected after chemical disinfection, while other surface properties of these two dental impressions were out of significant influence. CONCLUSIONS: Alginate impressions are strongly recommended to be disinfected with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite using spray disinfection method for 10 min. Meanwhile, elastomeric impressions are strongly recommended to be disinfected with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite or 2% glutaraldehyde using immersion disinfection method for 10 min, however, polyether impression should be disinfected with 2% glutaraldehyde.