Force decay of latex and non-latex orthodontic elastics- an in vitro study

Introduction: Elastics and elastomers has been extensively used in orthodonticd. Force decay over a period of time is a major problem in the clinical usage of latex elastics and non-latex. This loss of force makes it difficult for the clinician to determine the actual force transmitted to the dentition Hence, the aim and objective of this study was to evaluate the force decay of latex and non-latex elastic of different brands and different sizes at 8 hours and 24 hours after having been subjected to constant stretching in both wet and dry .Material and Methods: Latex and non latex elastics (Figure 1)were used of size 1\4inch and 3\16inch inner diameter and were of medium force (4.5 oz) obtained from three manufacturers namely - Forest dent, American orthodontics (wild life series - gorilla, eagle, jelly fish and sand dollar), Jaypee orthodontics. The mechanical testing conducted on 480 samples of each type of elastics and force decay measured and was compared to that specified by the manufacturer. Difference between brand, composition, and wet/dry condition was analyzed using SPSS (version 21.0) using ANOVA analysis. Conclusion: Force decay was more in the wet media than dry media after stretching for 8 hrs and 24 hron Force decay was maximum in Foresta dent when compared with other brands in the dry media after 8 hrs of stretching. Forrce decay was maximum in American Orthodontics when compared with other brands in the wet media after 8 hrs of stretching.3