Effect of magnetic water mouthwash on force decay of orthodontic elastomeric ligature ties

Abstract

Objectives. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of magnetic water (MW) as a mouthwash on the force decay of the orthodontic elastomeric ligature ties. Methods. One hundred twenty elastomeric ties divided into 3 groups (40 ties each) based on mouthwash used: group1: washed with artificial saliva (AS)(control), group 2: washed with Ortho Kin mouthwash (OK), Group 3 washed with prepared magnetic water (MW). Each group was further subdivided into 4 subgroups, 10 ties for each time interval (initially, one day, one week and two weeks). Distilled water had been magnetized using a locally prepared device. 2430 Gauss (Gs) neodymium magnets was used. The force decay for the ties were measured by Instron universal testing machine. The outcomes were detailed as mean force decay changes and was compared with Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, P ≤0.05. Results. The highest force decay value was for MW group at two weeks. For OK group, there was significant difference of force decay in comparison between the initial - one day, and one day - one week. For the MW group, there was significant differences between the initial - two weeks. For MW-OK comparison, significant differences were found at one week. Conclusion. MW caused more force decay in the elastomeric ligature ties than OK mouthwashes especially at two weeks period.