Force degradation trend of latex and nonlatex orthodontic elastics after 48 hours stretching

Abstract

BackgroundTwo types of orthodontic elastics exist based on their material, latex and nonlatex, each of which has different properties in clinical use. Some of the differences include their initial force and force degradation over time. This study was conducted to compare the force changes in both materials.AimTo evaluate the force degradation of latex and nonlatex elastics under moderate stretching over time.MethodsMedium-force orthodontic latex and nonlatex elastics from American Orthodontics (AO) and Ortho Technology (OT) of lumen size 1/4 inches and 3/16 inches (total sample 110 elastics) were submerged in artificial saliva (pH 6.7) and incubated for 48 hours. Then, the elastic force was measured at the following time intervals: initial, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. Orthodontic latex and nonlatex elastics from AO and OT were analyzed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray to know the chemical bond structure and elements.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between latex and nonlatex force degradation over a period of 0–24 hours (P<0.05), while no significant difference existed between 24–48 hours (P>0.05). Force degradation of latex elastics was higher than that of nonlatex elastics. Energy-dispersive X-ray results on nonlatex elastic bands from OT and AO showed higher C element in the latex elastic band from OT, while the latex elastic band from AO had higher Al element.ConclusionMedium-force latex and nonlatex elastics 1/4 inches and 3/16 inches in size both showed force degradation at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24-hour intervals under 30 mm stretching when kept in artificial saliva (pH 6.7) and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours.

Does mouthwash degrade the force of orthodontic latex elastics?

“…Owing to clinical patterns, force extension relaxation was not investigated in periods more than 24 hours. In clinical practice, patients are typically instructed to replace the elastics after 1 day of use [3].…”

“…Compared to non-latex elastics, latex elastics possess better flexibility, greater force, a lower price, and the ability to rebound to their original dimensions after substantial deformation. To produce latex elastic materials, natural rubber, an elastomer having a 3D reticulate structure formed by crosslinks, is utilized [3]. Over 20 different types of latex elastics are currently used in orthodontic treatment.…”

The Effect of Extrinsic Factors on the Mechanical Behavior and Structure of Elastic Dental Ligatures and Chains

“…Often the only available data on the chemical composition of elastomers is their latex content. Studies however show slightly controversial force decay results when comparing latex and non-latex elastomers [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Other important factors that can influence force decay include saliva, pH, temperature changes, enzymatic and microbial events, the duration of the extension, as well as chemical plaque control [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”