Abstract
Our objectives were to assess the force degradation of orthodontic latex elastics over 48hours invivo and to study the relationship between the amount of mouth opening and the degree of force decay. Fifty-two orthodontic patients wearing fixed appliances using Class II elastics were asked to wear premeasured-force 3/16-in heavy and medium intermaxillary elastics. The force amounts were measured and compared at different time intervals. Fifty percent of theforce was lost after 3.9hours for the medium elastics and after 4.9hours for the heavy elastics. A continuous significant force drop in all elastics was seen at all time intervals (P<0.05, P<0.001). There was greater force loss in the heavy elastics compared with the medium elastics invivo at all time intervals (P<0.001); the rates of force loss, however, were similar. Fifty percent of force degradation occurred in the first 4 to 5hours. Because of breakage and for oral hygiene purposes, orthodontic elastics should be changed daily; otherwise, elastics can be used for 48hours. Force decay of the elastics was correlated to the lateral distance between the maxillary canine and the mandibular first molar in occlusion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
