Polyvinyl siloxane impression materials have applications in a variety of indirect procedures in p r o s t h o d o n t i c s and restorative dentistry. Favourable handling properties, good patient acceptance and excellent physical properties have resulted in their popularity in today's practice. In this review, the chemistry and important physical properties of polyvinyl siloxanes are summarized, and recent clinical questions of improved hydrophilics, tray adhesives, disinfection, and glove-induced polymerization inhibition are addressed.