Aim: To compare the effect of different ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light exposure times on the dimensional stability of addition silicone dental impressions.
Materials and methods: The dimensional stability of the addition silicone dental impressions was assessed by measuring specific dimensions on dental casts that were recovered from an upper acrylic resin model of dental implants. The impressions were reproduced using a customized tray adapted in a three-point simplex dental articulator permitting only opening and closing movements. Addition silicone dental impressions were divided into five groups (N = 12) according to the UV-C light exposure time. Group A was untreated; group B received 10 minutes; group C, 20 minutes; group D, 30 minutes; and group E, 40 minutes. All the impressions were poured with type IV dental stone and the internal edges of the upper silicone retainers of impression copings were used as five reference points (E, D, C, B, and A) to determine six linear measurements between ED, CB, EA, AD, EB, and CD points using a traveling microscope of 0.001 mm accuracy. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the statistical analysis (p < 0.05).
Results: Expansion and contraction were noted among ED, CB, EA, and EB measurements, whereas only expansion was noted among AD and CD measurements. The ANOVA analysis showed there was no significant difference in the arithmetic means for the measurements between and within group A and the other groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The UV-C light exposure time of 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes did not have any negative effect on the dimensional stability of the addition silicone dental impressions evaluated.
Clinical significance: In the daily routine dental practice, dental impressions need to be washed and disinfected immediately after making to prevent cross-infections. The UV-C light has been proposed as a promising method for disinfection, but only a few studies have been published about its effect on the dimensional stability of dental silicones. How to cite this article: Bravo-Cueto AG, Tinedo-López PL, Malpartida-Carrillo V. Effect of Ultraviolet-C Light Exposure Time on the Dimensional Stability of Addition Silicone Dental Impressions: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):507-513.