A clinical and laboratory evaluation of three types of operating gloves for use in orthodontic practice.

This prospective study examined the durability and user acceptability of three types of operating glove for use in orthodontic practice. The glove types studied were a lightweight examination glove (Microtouch, Johnson and Johnson), a dedicated dental procedure glove (Biogel D, Regent Hospital Products) and a non-latex, nitrile glove (N-Dex, Best Manufacturing Europe N.V.). A water-leak test was used to examine 50 pairs of unused gloves of each type for manufacturing defects. Subsequently, six operators of varying experience were asked to use 20 pairs of each type of glove for fixed appliance treatment sessions and record their suitability for different clinical procedures. The used gloves were collected and tested in the laboratory for punctures. At the end of the study the six operators completed a detailed questionnaire recording their preferences for each glove type.