In vivo evaluation of the force degradation characteristics of four contemporarily used elastomeric chains over a period of 6 weeks

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare in vivo force degradation of elastomeric chains of four different companies over a period of 6 weeks using digital force gauge. MethodsA total of 25 participants making the total sample size of 100 were included in this split mouth study. Force degradation of four elastomeric chain samples from different manufacturers, Super Slick Chain (TP Orthodontics), AlastiK (3M Unitek), Dyna-Link elastomeric chain (G&H Orthodontics), and Memory Chain (American Orthodontics), was evaluated and compared among each other using a digital force gauge in the intraoral environment at six time intervals (immediate, 1 hour, 24 hours, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks). The elastomeric chain samples were stretched to a fixed distance of 16 mm throughout the study period. ResultsThere was a significant difference between the force degradation values of elastomeric chains supplied by different manufacturers (P < 0.001). Maximum force degradation in all four groups was recorded in the first hour of placement. After 6 weeks, the force degradation was found to be least with Super Slick chain (55% ± 5%) and maximum with Dyna-Link chain (63% ± 4%). ConclusionsThree of four elastomeric chains sustained an amount of force that can be considered adequate for canine retraction. Only one elastomeric chain suffered a major loss of force in such a way making it difficult to continue the retraction of canine after 6 weeks.