Bond strengths between elastomeric impression materials and disinfected preliminary impressions.

Bond strengths between disinfected putty impressions and subsequent wash applications were determined in specimens made to simulate clinically an interrupted two-step impression technique. The effect of a disinfectant on the bond strength between a disinfected wash impression and a subsequent wash application was also evaluated to simulate perfecting a disinfected final impression clinically. Vinyl polysiloxane (putty or wash) and polyether (wash only) impression materials were placed in perforated metal cylinders, allowed to set, and dipped in an iodine or glutaraldehyde disinfectant. Wash material was then applied to the disinfected material by use of another metal cylinder and allowed to set before the specimen was tested in tensile mode. Significant decreases in bond strengths were found in both clinical simulations but were limited to specific impression material and disinfectant combinations.