Comparative analysis of force degradation of latex orthodontic elastics of 5/16'' diameter: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze six commercial brands of latex elastics regarding force degradation based on the time factor, in time intervals of 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. METHODS: The elastics were stretched by three times their diameter, measured, immersed in artificial saliva at 37° C, and stored in a glass container. Data obtained were described by mean parameters, standard deviation, degradation rate, and coefficient of variation and Tukey's post-hoc Test (P<0.05). RESULTS: American Orthodontics™ was the brand closest to prescription (94.70%), and Uniden™ was the one with the lowest performance (73.60%). By analyzing the total force degradation rate at the end of the experiment, it is noted that elastics from the Orthometric™ brand presented the highest rate (20.24%). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the latex elastics studied suffer great intensity variation of initial force, and the higher variation rate occurs in the first 12 hours.

Comparative analysis of force degradation of latex orthodontic elastics of 5/16'' diameter: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: this study aimed to analyze, six commercial brands of latex elastics regarding force degradation according to time, immediately and in time intervals of 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. METHODS: the elastics were stretched by three times their diameter, measured, immersed in artificial saliva at 37 °C, and stored in a glass container. Data obtained were described by mean parameters, standard deviation, degradation rate, and coefficient of variation and Tukey's post hoc test (p<0.05). RESULTS: American OrthodonticsTM was the brand closest to prescription (94.70%), and UnidenTM was the one with the lowest performance (73.60%). By analyzing the total force degradation rate at the end of the experiment, it is noted that elastics from the OrthometricTM brand presented the highest rate (20.24%). CONCLUSIONS: it is concluded that the latex elastics studied suffer great intensity variation of initial force, and the higher variation rate occurs in the first 12 hours.