title: Preliminary SEM Observations on the Surface of Elastomeric Impression Materials after Immersion or Ozone Disinfection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surface integrity of dental elastomeric impression materials that are subjected to disinfection is of major importance for the quality of the final prosthetic restorations.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this qualitative Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) study was to reveal the effects of immersion or ozone disinfection on the surface of four dental elastomeric impression materials.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four dental elastomeric impression material brands were used (two vinyl polysiloxane silicones, one polyether, and one vinyl polyether silicone). Total of 32 specimens were fabricated, eight from each impression material. Specimens were immersion (0.525% sodium hypochlorite solution or 0.3% benzalkonium chloride solution) or ozone disinfected or served as controls and examined with SEM.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Surface degradation was observed on several speci-mens disinfected with 0.525% sodium hypochlorite solution. Similar wavy-wrinkling surface structures were observed in almost all specimens, when treated either with 0.3% benzalkonium chloride solution or ozone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SEM images obtained from this study revealed that both immersion disinfectants and ozone show similar impression material surface alterations. Ozone seems to be non-inferior as compared to immersion disinfectants, but superior as to environmental protection.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Associate, Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Health and Caring Professions, Technological Educational Institute of Athens , Egaleo, Attica, Greece .
authors.forename: Nikolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Poulis
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Health and Caring Professions, Technological Educational Institute of Athens , Egaleo, Attica, Greece .
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prombonas
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Health and Caring Professions, Technological Educational Institute of Athens , Egaleo, Attica, Greece .
authors.forename: Stavros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yannikakis
authors.affiliation: Researcher, Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Technological Educational Institute of Athens , Egaleo, Attica, Greece .
authors.forename: Thanasis
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Karampotsos
authors.affiliation: Post Doc Researcher, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens, Greece .
authors.forename: Martha-Spyridoula
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Katsarou
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens, Greece .
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Drakoulis
keywords: Benzalkonium chloride; Dental impression materials; Microscopy; Sodium hypochlorite