ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to verify the effects of bleaching toothpaste on colour stability, elastic properties, surface topography between aesthetic polyurethane and silicone elastomeric ligatures from different brands. METHODS: Elastomeric ligatures tested were: 1-Mini Single Case Ligature Stick (RMO-polyurethane); 2-Ligature "S" Shaped Dispenser (RMO-Silicone); 3-Sany-tie (GAC-translucent polyurethane); and 4-Sili-tie (GAC-translucent silicone). The ligatures were randomly assigned from the brackets of canines and lower incisors of 40 patients. The study had two phases of 30 days in which a different toothpaste was used, followed by a washout period of 30 days. After each phase, ligatures were submitted to colour checking, tensile strength, and SEM. RESULTS: The average of the ultimate tensile strength (m = 2.59; DP = 0.014) was higher in the control ligatures if compared to the tested ones (m = 2.24; DP = 0.014). There were no statistically significant differences between toothpastes regarding the type of ligature. Also, no interaction was observed between toothpastes in ligature's ultimate tensile strength and strain. The type of toothpaste did not minimize colour changes. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there was no difference in colour stability and elastic properties between polyurethane or silicone aesthetic elastomeric modules. Whitening toothpastes had no impact on ligatures performance after 30 days in the oral cavity.
