Latex Gloves by Smart
For more information, please visit HAOZE.
Vinyl Gloves by Medibase
Nitrile Gloves by Medibase
Why do disposable gloves have powder in them you may ask? The powder in disposable gloves helps to make them easier to put on and take off, it also reduces hand moisture from sweating and can also help with grip. The powder in disposable gloves is made from either cornstarch or calcium carbonate depending on the manufacturer. The downside to powdered gloves is the powder can cause skin irritation and some people can also have allergies to the powder. Sometimes if the glove contains too much powder, it can contaminate the area surrounding it when taking the glove on or off.
Choosing between powdered and powder-free is up to the user (with some provisos) and would depend on their skin type. Often manufacturers have samples of disposable gloves that you can test out before purchasing in bulk to help you decide which option works better for you. If you are interested in trying a glove sample, contact our team today via our freephone number 294 .
The Health Technical Memorandum 01-05 on decontamination in primary care dental practices (HTM 01-05) states that powdered gloves should be avoided in dental practices in chapter 6 (6.19).
HTM 01-05 is a guidance document so does not necessarily represent binding regulations however many dental practices will seek to conform to this guidance.
To work out what size glove you need, take a tape measure (a fabric tape measure works best!) and wrap it around your dominant hand at your hand's widest point, just below your knuckles. Wrap the tape measure around starting at 0 and don't include your thumb. Note down that measurement and then simply compare it on our size chart guide below:
It is important to ensure the size of your disposable gloves are correct as using a size that is too small can cause tearing in the fabric and put you at risk of contamination, and wearing a size that is too big can cause the glove to accidentally slip as well as provide a weaker grip.
When selecting disposable gloves, it's important to understand that surgical gloves and examination gloves are sized differently, which can impact comfort, dexterity, and performance in clinical settings.
Surgical gloves are designed for precision tasks, such as procedures in theatre, where a close, anatomical fit is essential.
They are sized using a numerical scale, typically ranging from 5.5 to 9.0, in half-size increments.
This measurement corresponds to the circumference of the hand (in inches) around the knuckles, excluding the thumb as shown in the above size chart. For example, a size 7.0 glove would fit a hand that measures approximately 7 inches (178mm) around the widest part.
This system allows for a more tailored fit, reducing hand fatigue during long procedures and enhancing tactile sensitivity.
In contrast, examination gloves are used for routine patient care, examinations, and non-sterile procedures and are usually available in general sizes: Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), and Extra Large (XL).
These sizes are based on broader hand size ranges and are more forgiving in fit. While convenient for quick donning and frequent changes, the less specific sizing may not offer the same level of dexterity or comfort for fine tasks.
Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals select the appropriate glove type for their clinical needs, ensuring both safety and optimal performance.
Disposable gloves for dentistry and healthcare come in a range of thicknesses, and are often different measurement types used to describe the thickness of the glove material.
When talking about a glove measurement it is referring to the thickness of the disposable glove material. There are a few different ways the thickness of a disposable glove is measured, you may see:
In disposable glove measurements, "mil" refers to the thickness of the glove material and is measuring a "thousandth of an inch." 1 mil = 0.001 inch, so for example if a glove is 4 mil thick it measures 0.004 inches.
'Mil' in glove measurments is not an abrieviation of millimetre (mm).
When measuring disposable gloves "grammage" refers to the weight of a single glove in grams. It is not a technical specification like thickness in mil, but it is commonly used as a rough indicator of glove strength, quality, and durability. Thicker disposable gloves tend to be heavier so the larger the grammage measurement is the thicker the glove will be.
AQL, or Acceptable Quality Limit is a statistical measure used in quality control that indicates the maximum number of defects allowed in a batch of gloves before it is rejected.
In simple terms, it reflects the likelihood of a glove having microscopic holes or imperfections.
For medical-grade gloves, AQL is crucial because even a tiny defect can compromise barrier protection.
The lower the AQL number, the higher the quality of the glove. For example:
The most frequently used measurement for disposable gloves is mil, which is often confused for meaning millimetre, but it does not! Mil measures a thousands of an inch and is a much smaller measurement.
Different tasks within dentistry and healthcare require different glove thicknesses, here is a breakdown of what mil gloves would be best suited to which tasks:
Disposable gloves are manufactured in different ways depending on the material type, with each glove type following a general pattern that includes dipping, curing and stripping, but there are some key differences in the process based on the glove material. Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and are vulcanised, vinyl gloves are made from PVC without vulcanisation, and latex gloves require more leaching to remove proteins. These differences impact glove performance, cost, and allergen potential.
The materials of each glove is prepared so they are ready to be used to make the disposable glove.
A glove former, also known as a hand former or glove mould is a hand shaped mould used to give a disposable glove its shape. Made of ceramic or aluminum, each glove former is washed in hot water and dipped in acid baths to remove any residues, then dried fully so they are ready for the next step of the manufacturing process.
Each glove former is then goes through a coagulant dipping process where it is dipped into a coagulant solution (usually calcium nitrate + calcium carbonate) to help the glove material adhere evenly to the formers.
This step is sometimes skipped or simplified for vinyl gloves.
Once the glove former has been properly prepped it is ready to be dipped into the chosen glove material. The glove film forms as the material coagulates and adheres to the formers.
Each glove material is dipped in:
Once the glove former has been dipped into the chosen material and the glove has formed on the mould, it then goes through a water bath rinse to remove any impurities, proteins, and residual chemicals, as well as reducing the risk of skin irritations or allergies.
Not all disposable gloves go through this process;
Curing, also known as vulcanisation, is a crucial step in the manufacturing process for disposable gloves and is especially important for glove materials that contain rubber, where the material is heated to cross-link rubber molecules. Sometimes a chemical agent can be used during this process to support the transformation of materials from soft and pliable to a more durable form. This thus strengthens the material, making it more elastic and tear-resistant.
When it comes to disposable gloves, surface treatments play a vital role in improving usability, comfort, and safety. Below are the key methods used to enhance glove performance, especially relevant for clinical, dental, and medical environments.
Chlorination Treatment
Polymer Coating
Powdered Gloves
Are you interested in learning more about NBR Latex for laboratory gloves? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Some gloves feature a light dusting of powder (typically cornstarch) on the inside, which reduces friction and helps users put gloves on more easily
Additional Surface Enhancements
Beyond basic treatments, some disposable gloves are manufactured with special textures or coatings to enhance:
When choosing the right disposable gloves the cuff design of the glove is important to consider as the cuff aids in comfort and safety. Glove cuffs help to secure the glove at the wrist, preventing it from rolling down and can also provide additional protection against splashes or contaminants.
Below are the most common cuff styles used in disposable gloves:
A beaded cuff on a disposable glove features a reinforced rolled edge at the wrist end of the glove to add strength, making it less likely to tear and easier to don (put on).
A beaded cuff on a glove also prevents the glove from rolling down during use, key in medical and dental environments where hand movement is key and gloves need to stay put.
Found in most nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves, this is the most commonly used cuff design for disposable gloves.
An extended cuff on a glove offers longer protection for wrists and arms, typically ranging from 12 to 16 inches compared to the standard 9.5 inches.
Extended cuffs are designed for high-risk procedures where additional protection to wrists and arms is necessary to provide protection against hazardous materials.
These cuffs provide additional forearm coverage and are often paired with high-grade nitrile or latex materials.
The basic straight cuff design on a disposable glove lacks a rolled edge and offers a simpler, uniform finish at the wrist. This cuff type is more commonly used for economy-grade or general-purpose gloves, especially vinyl types.
While suitable for low-risk non-clinical tasks as straight cuffs are more prone to tearing or rolling down under strain.
A flared cuff on a disposable glove is slightly wider at the wrist opening, making them easier to put on and take off which is particularly helpful for users with larger hands or when gloves are worn over gown sleeves.
A flared cuff is often used in environments where quick glove changes are frequent, and can also help reduce hand fatigue caused by tight-fitting gloves.
Choosing the right cuff design is about more than just comfort, it’s about ensuring proper barrier protection and functionality.
Once you have worked out your glove size, then you can decide on what material choice works best for you.
This may come from trialling a few different material types to see which feels best and works best for your skin type.
Gloves are usually sold in either a 100 or 200 gloves per box, with boxes of 200 working out more cost effective to purchase.
Nitrile gloves are latex-free disposable gloves that are made of a synthetic material called nitrile butadiene rubber. Nitrile rubber gloves come in a range of colours, sizes and thicknesses and are also available in both powdered and powder-free versions.
Nitrile gloves are a popular choice for disposable gloves in dentistry as they do not contain latex, which is often a benefit if there are any concerns for patients with allergies, especially latex allergies. Although you can be allergic to nitrile gloves, it is usually an allergy to the chemicals used during the manufacturing process, such as rubber accelerators or the powders rather than the nitrile material itself, however these allergies are less common in comparison to a latex allergy.
Nitrile gloves that are over 4 mil thick should be resistant to most chemicals making them a great choice for industries such as healthcare and dentistry, however it is recommended to always check the chemical instructions and glove information for exact information on chemical resistance.
Latex gloves are a type of disposable glove made from natural rubber latex, a popular and long-standing material choice in the healthcare and dental industries. These medical-grade gloves are available in a variety of colours, sizes, and thicknesses, and come in both powdered and powder-free options to suit different user preferences and regulatory requirements.
Disposable latex gloves are widely used in dentistry and healthcare as they are cost-effective, reliable, and suitable for most individuals without latex sensitivities. They offer superior elasticity, a close, snug fit, and excellent tactile sensitivity, making them especially well-suited for procedures such as dental examinations, non-surgical treatments, and general patient care.
Both are available in a range of colours and sizes to suit all needs.
What are heavy duty gloves? Heavy duty gloves are a type of disposable glove designed with a thicker material composition to provide enhanced protection in high-risk environments. These gloves are ideally suited for dental professionals performing tasks involving sharp instruments, dental tools, or exposure to chemicals and hazardous materials.
Heavy duty disposable gloves used in dentistry are typically made from durable materials such as nitrile or neoprene, both known for their chemical resistance, puncture resistance, and overall durability. These chemical-resistant gloves offer reliable protection against tears, rips, and a wide range of substances, making them ideal for sterilisation procedures, laboratory work, or maintenance tasks within the dental surgery. While not commonly used for patient-facing procedures, heavy duty nitrile gloves for dental use are essential for ensuring safety and hygiene during demanding, non-clinical applications.
How often should a heavy duty glove be replaced? A heavy duty glove should be replaced when they show significant signs of damage or wear such as holes, rips, tears or any significant signs of damage. Heavy duty gloves should also be replaced if they become very dirty and when they have used their certified wash amount.
Superior protection
Versatile
Chemical protection
Textured grip
So far we have covered non-sterile gloves, but if you are looking for a sterile glove option, here's what you need to know!
Surgical gloves are a type of disposable glove that are individually packaged in pairs and sterilised to be completely free from microorganisms. These sterile disposable gloves are essential for maintaining a sterile environment during invasive or surgical dental procedures where infection control is critical.
Sterile dental gloves are typically made from the same materials as non-sterile gloves—such as latex, nitrile, or vinyl—and are chosen based on practitioner preference or patient sensitivity. Commonly used in oral surgery, implant placement, periodontal treatments, and any aseptic procedures, these gloves help prevent contamination of sterile fields and reduce the risk of cross-infection. Whether using latex sterile gloves for their flexibility or nitrile sterile gloves for allergy-safe durability, dental professionals rely on these surgical gloves for dentistry to ensure the highest level of hygiene and patient safety.
Infection control
Various options available
Regulatory compliant
What is the difference between examination gloves and surgical gloves you may ask? Examination gloves and surgical gloves are both types of disposable gloves but are each used in different settings.
Examination gloves are an everyday disposable glove that is non-sterile and can be used for a range of tasks such as routine medical examinations, dental check-ups, and patient contact. They are also suited to cleaning whilst using non-hazardous products. Examination gloves are used more frequently as a daily glove within dental practices or medical settings.
Surgical gloves are sterile and used during procedures where contamination needs to be prevented, for example during oral surgeries or surgeries of any type. Surgical gloves have a higher price point as they have undergone a sterilisation treatment to ensure they are free of any microorganisms.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of synthomer nbr latex. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.