ABSTRACT
Forces needed for orthodontic tooth movement are obtained from various appliances such as orthodontic wires or elastic rubber. Orthodontic elastic rubber is widely used clinically, but permanent deformation and force decay may occur from the environmental changes, time of clinical use and the extent of the stertch, making the prediction of force being applied difficult. The present study examined and compared the changes in residual force between three brands of elastomertc chains (Ormco : Generation II Power Chains ; brand A, RMO : Energy-Chain ; brand B, Unitek : Alastik ; brand C) under various environmental conditions, amout of inital force, types of elastomer and the rate of extension. The characteristic physical properies of the elastomeric chains were as follows. 1. In all three brands, the residual force ratio was largest when the chains were stored in air, with no difference between water and saliva. 2. In all three brands, after 24 hours, there was no statistical difference in residual force ratio according to the initial force level. 3. In Brand A and B, the presence of filament had no correlation with the residual force ratio. In Brand C force decay was more severe when the chain contained filament. 4. In each brand, rate of extension had no effect on residual force ratio. 5. Brand B showed relatively higher residual force ratio compared to other brands.