Effects of Carbonated Drinks on Mechanical Properties of Three Types of Thermoplastic Aligner Materials: An In vitro Study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim was to assess the mechanical properties of the three types of thermoplastic aligner materials before and after in vitro aging with carbonated drinks. Materials and methods: Twelve samples of thermoplastic aligner materials produced by three different manufacturers (Leone S.P.A, Florence, Italy; Duran, SCHEU-dental GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany; Essix ACE, Dentsply Raintree Essix, United States) were selected. Samples were thermoformed and later aged in vitro at a constant temperature in artificial saliva along with carbonated drinks (10 min each day) for 2 weeks. The mechanical properties were characterized using universal testing machine such as instron (MultiTest 10-i) and the results were compared with the control groups (before exposure to carbonated drinks). Results: All the above-mentioned thermoplastic materials tested showed an insignificant ( p > 0.05) decrease in stiffness, yield strength, and elastic modulus after aging. The stiffness of the thermoplastic materials increased with an increase in thickness. The flexure modulus was higher for the thinner materials, whereas it was lower for the thicker materials. Conclusion: Experimental results indicate that the aligner material will remain stable during and following exposure to carbonated drinks, which suggests that the orthodontic force from thermoplastic appliances does not decrease with clinical usage of carbonated drinks.