Are there any adverse effects to handling/molding unset light cured resin composites with non-latex gloves?
This question was submitted to us by a general dentist:
Are there any adverse effects to handling/molding unset light cured resin composites with non-latex gloves? I mold Class V and Class IV restorations this way all the time and it works great. I cannot visualize any problem because there is no powder and I think it is unlikely there would be any reaction between these gloves and the composite resin. But I am curious.
Dr. Stephen Ferrier in collaboration with Dr. Suham Alexander, Oasis Clinical Editor provided this quick initial response.
Dr. Stephen Ferrier is Assistant Professor in restorative dentistry at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University.
It is unlikely that neither non-latex nor latex gloves will interfere with the polymerization of the resin composite. (Latex will inhibit the polymerization of polyvinylsiloxane materials, though.) However, there are some concerns as noted below.
- Surface contaminants from the glove may be transferred to the resin or worse, to the bonding surface or interfacial layer of the tooth.
- It is more difficult to remove visible contaminants from a glove given the rough texture of the material even when alcohol wipes are employed compared to cleaning an instrument with a smooth surface.
If a gloved digit is used to aid in the shaping or molding of the resin (e.g. forming the palatal concavity of a Class IV restoration), a fresh mylar strip could be used between the resin and the glove to decrease the risk of contamination, prevent oxygen inhibition beneath the strip as well as ensure a smooth finish.
References
- Bond contamination and restoration failure: Introduction to Dental Materials 3rd Ed. by Richard van Noort. Mosby Elsevier, Chapter 2.5 Enamel and Dentine Bonding.
- Use of a matrix to stop oxygen inhibition – Phillips’ Science of Dental Materials by K.J. Anusavice. Saunders, Chapter 15 Restorative Resins.
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I overbuild the composite which has been non-latex glove molded and and only the final layer is glove molded then I cut back to normal anatomy and polish. Do you visualize this still presenting a problem with contamination? If so how would this occur at the microscopic level?
JFM