Effects of Active Substances in Dentifrices on Force Degradation of Elastomeric Chain Elastics

Abstract

Objective: Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active substances in dentifrices on force degradation of elastomeric chains and verify the hypothesis that different toothpastes favor distinct behaviors of chain elastics. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty-six chain elastic segments with five links each were randomly divided into seven groups. They were maintained stretched to a distance of 23.5 mm and submersed in artificial saliva at a temperature of 37°C for a period of 28 days. Every day the elastics were brushed with different toothpastes. Brushing was performed three times a day. Force was evaluated at time intervals of (0), 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Results: The results demonstrated statistical differences between groups 1 and 5 (p = 0.035) in the time interval of 14 days of the experiment. No statistical differences were observed in the other comparisons. From the 7th day up to the 28th day, no statistical differences were found among the groups evaluated (p > 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the hypothesis was not confirmed since the elastics behaved in an equal manner irrespective of the substance used to brush them.