Relaxation of orthodontic elastomeric chain [in vitro comparative study]

ABSTRACT

This in vitro study was designed to determine the force relaxation of the elastomeric chains for Orthoorganizer and Orthomatrix companies under different time intervals [zero, 1, 4, 24 hours and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks] in artificial saliva; and to evaluate the effect of time and extension on the load relaxation behavior of these chains. Specifically constructed frameworks were used and in addition to electronic balance for load measurements. The results of this study showed a greatest loss of force at the first hour with a subsequent slower rate. The greater the extension length, the greater the initial force but the lesser the percent of force remaining within the same company