Elastomeric Chains Research Articles

Friction evaluation of an elastic chain positioned under or over the wire in self-ligating brackets

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the frictional resistance produced by active and passive self-ligating brackets on stainless steel archwires in the absence or presence of elastomeric chains under or over the wire. Materials and Methods: Four types of self-ligating brackets were used: Two active and two passive. For each commercial brand, five brackets were bonded to an acrylic plate and the frictional resistance was evaluated with 0.018” and 0.019” × 0.025” stainless steel wires in three situations: Without elastomeric chain, with elastomeric chain placed under and over the wire. Results: The bracket type, cross-section of the wire, and type of ligation had significant interactions with each other; the frictional resistance was significantly lower with the use of passive self-ligated brackets, while no difference was found when a 0.018” wire was tested. Moreover, the frictional resistance in the absence of an elastomeric chain, or when the chain was under the wire, was significantly lower in comparison with the values obtained when the chain was placed on the wire. Conclusion: Frictional resistance of passive and active self-ligated brackets is influenced by the ligation methods and the cross-sectioning of archwires.

Orthodontic space closure in sliding mechanics: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the different force delivery systems for orthodontic space closure by sliding mechanics. Multiple sources including Cochrane Central, Ovid Medline, Embase etc. were used to identify all relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of parallel-group and split-mouth designs were included. Orthodontic patients of any age treated with fixed orthodontic appliances and requiring space closure. Search result screening, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently and in duplicate by 2 reviewers. The included studies were grouped into parallel-arm and split-mouth studies and subgroup analysis was then performed for the type of retraction subsets; en-masse and individual canine retraction. A traditional meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis (NMA) for direct and indirect comparisons for the rate of space closure were performed. Thirteen studies, six parallel-arm and seven split-mouth were included. The traditional meta-analysis comparing Nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed coil springs and elastomeric power chain for the rate of tooth movement showed statistically significant difference favouring NiTi springs (MD: 0.24; 95% CI, 0.03-0.45; I2 0%, P = 0.02) and the comparison between NiTi springs and active ligatures also showed statistically significant result favouring NiTi springs (MD: 0.53; 95% CI, 0.44-0.63; I2 0%, P ˂ 0.00001) for the rate of tooth movement. NMA for the rate of space closure showed fairly confident evidence for NiTi coil springs when compared with elastomeric chain and active ligatures. The NiTi coil spring ranked best between all methods of space closure. There is moderate quality evidence in favour of NiTi coil springs for the rate of space closure when compared with active ligature and low quality of evidence favouring NiTi springs when compared with elastomeric chain. The ranking from NMA showed NiTi coil springs to be the best method for space closure with 99% chance. An urgent need for standardization of study designs and the need for development of an agreed core outcome sets and core outcome instrument measurement sets is evident. PROSPERO CRD42020157811.

Canine angulation and rotation during canine retraction using elastomeric chains with and without a power arm

Background: During canine retraction, orthodontic forces are applied away from the tooth’s center of resistance. This introduces canine distal tipping and mesiobuccal rotation. The correction of these unwanted movements will prolong treatment time. Applying the force closer to the center of resistance should decrease this unwanted tooth movement. Objective: Compare the canine angulation and rotation during canine retraction with and without the use of power arm. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four female orthodontic patients (age 19.32± 4.17 years) with dental Class II indicated for bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction and maximum anchorage were included in this study. The canines were retracted with elastomeric chains over 0.016” X 0.022” statinless steel arch wires to reduce friction. The retraction force was 150g. In twelve patients, the canines were retracted using a power arm fixed to the vertical slots of the canine brackets. For the other twelve patients, the elastic chains were attached to the bracket hooks. Results: Before treatment, the canine angulation and rotation was similar for the two groups. The canine angulation was 12.38± 8.27 and 14.5o± 9.41 for the group with the power arm and without, respectively. while canine rotation was 64.74o± 11.65 and 63.12o± 14.88, respectively. Post-retraction, there was no significant difference in the canine angulation or rotation between the groups. Conclusion: Compared to canine retraction with a power arm, conventional canine retraction with elastomeric chains attached to the bracket hook may provide similar control over distal tipping, provided a stiff 0.017” X 0.025” stainless steel arch wire is used.

A novel, nitric oxide-releasing elastomeric chain for antimicrobial action: proof of concept

Introduction. Microbial colonization of orthodontic elastomeric chains is a two-fold problem: (1) plaque promotes carious lesions during orthodontic treatment and (2) bacterial by-products can degrade a chain’s mechanical properties. Efforts to combat this colonization have included the development of materials with antimicrobial activity. Recently, biomedical research has focused on the antibacterial properties of S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a synthetic Nitric Oxide (NO) donor that exhibits extended NO release when incorporated into low water-uptake polymers. The objective of this study is to generate an antibacterial orthodontic elastomeric chain using this technology. Methods. Elastomeric power chain is impregnated with the SNAP molecule and chains are evaluated for their Nitric Oxide release kinetics. The chains are then tested for their antibacterial efficacy against a common oral pathogen, Streptococcus mutans. Results. Existing elastomeric chains are successfully impregnated with SNAP and show NO-release over a three-day period. Experimental chains demonstrate good S. mutans inhibition on and around the chain surface over a 48 h period. Conclusions. Nitric Oxide-Release technology can be applied to products in the dental field and may allow for biomimetic materials that would help to reduce bacteria-related pathologies such as white spot lesions and gingivitis.

A Comparison of Force Decay between Coil Spring, Elastomeric Chain and Tie-backs in Various Alcohol Concentrations found in Mouth Rinse: An In-vitro Study

Background: The ability to close space efficiently in Orthodontics is of major clinical importance. Elastomeric power chain, coil spring, and tiebacks are commonly used in Orthodontics to achieve tooth movement during the closure of spaces. Many mouth rinses which are used by the patients to achieve good oral hygiene affect the properties of the material used during treatment resulting in force decay if they contain alcohol.
 Aim: To know the effect of mouth rinses containing different alcohol Concentrations on the force decay of retraction materials.
 Materials and Methods: A study was carried out to test the effect of alcohol exposure found in mouth rinses on orthodontic NiTi closing coils, elastomeric chains, and tie-back. A total of 135 specimens were divided into one control group and two test groups submerged in artificial saliva at 37⁰ C. Two test groups each of them exposed to different alcohol-containing mouthwashes (Listerine and Povidone-iodine) for 60 seconds twice a day and the control group were exposed only to deionized (DI) water for 28 days. Force measurements were taken at six-time points (initial, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days) using a digital force gauge.
 Results: The comparison between the tensile strength was made by digital force gauge and the p-value (≤ 0.05) for tensile strength was derived by ANOVA test, multiple comparisons, and Tukey’s correction. Significant force decay was seen in test groups when compared to the control group.
 Conclusion: Force degradation of retraction products used during orthodontic treatment was effected by mouth rinses containing alcohol.

Three-dimensional assessment of two different canine retraction techniques: a randomized split-mouth clinical trial

IntroductionThe aim of this split-mouth trial was to compare power-arm sliding (PAS) and direct sliding (DS) canine retraction mechanics in terms of speed, rotation, angulation, and anchorage loss.MethodsThirty-six class II division 1 patients (20 females, 16 males; mean age, 16.94 ± 3.23) requiring upper first premolar extraction were included in the study. Miniscrews were used as anchorage units, and a retraction force of 150 gr was applied from the power arm on one side and from the bracket on the opposite side by using elastomeric chains. Randomization was achieved by block randomization with a 1:1 allocation ratio either to the right or the left with allocations concealed in opaque, sealed envelopes. Digital models were acquired using an intraoral scanner at the beginning of the retraction (T0), the first month (T1), the second month (T2), and the third month (T3). Before the scans, the archwire was removed, and custom metal jigs were inserted into the vertical slot of the canine brackets to evaluate the canine angulation. The digital models of each patient were separately superimposed with the local best-fit algorithm, and the retraction rate, angulation, rotation, and anchorage loss were measured. The digital measurements were performed using the Geomagic Control X software.ResultsThe DS technique’s total retraction rate was higher than that of the PAS technique (2.09 and 1.57, respectively, p = .002). There was, however, no significant difference between the two techniques in terms of angulation, rotation, and anchorage loss. A negative correlation was observed between the retraction rate and age, but it was not statistically significant. No significant difference was observed between the retraction rates of female and male participants in either retraction technique.ConclusionsFor both orthodontists and patients, the DS technique is simpler and more convenient; thus, it is the preferred method for canine retraction.Trial registrationThe trial was not registered.ProtocolThe protocol was not published before the trial commencement.

Force Degradation of Elastomeric Chains after Storage Time and Mechanical Brushing.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the force decrease of different elastomeric chains after different times: initial, 10 minutes, 1 day, 28 days and after mechanical brushing. Twenty orthodontic elastomeric chains segments were utilized for each commercial brand. Initially, the elastomeric chain of 15mm long were immediate stretched up to 20 mm in an Instron and the force was measured in gf. After all specimens were placed stretched on rectangular acrylic jigs with distance of 20 mm, immersed in deionized water at 37oC for 10 minutes and the force (gf) was measured again. Five test measurements of remaining force were made at the following time intervals: initial, 10 minutes, 1 day, 28 days and mechanical brushing. After 28 days, the acrylic plates with the specimens were adapted in the mechanical brushing machines (MSCT 3) and the elastomeric chains were submitted to mechanical brushing and the force (gf) measure again. The force (gf) was submitted to mixed-model ANOVA and Sidak post-hoc test (α=0.05). A statistically significant reduction in the force was found for all orthodontic elastomeric chain types after 1 day, 28 days and mechanical brushing (p<0.05). Morelli and 3M Unitek elastomeric chains showed significantly higher force than Abzil and GAC (p<0.05) after 1 day, 28 days and mechanical brushing. In conclusion, the force delivered by all elastomeric chains decayed rapidly over time. Morelli and 3M Unitek elastomeric chains consistently had a significantly greater force after mechanic brushing, while GAC the lowest.

Comparative assessment of the accuracy of ceramic orthodontic brackets to 0.022-inch stainless steel slots in orthodontic patients

Background: Brackets are the passive components that transfer the force to the teeth by elastomeric chains, springs, and the arch wire. The arch wire placement in a bracket that is pre-adjusted is done to construct three-dimensional forces to move the tooth. Aim: The present study was conducted to compare and assess the accuracy of ceramic orthodontic brackets to 0.022-inch stainless steel slots in orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study included a maxillary lateral incisor of the left side where 0.022 MBT American orthodontics (AO) slots as placed with 15 ceramic and 15 stainless steel brackets were placed and divided into 6 groups of 90 subjects. Software analysis was done to assess distal face and base, mesial face and base. Results: For the stainless-steel group, a statistically significant higher slot width was seen for 3M Unitek compared to Ormco and American Orthodontics (AO) slots with p&lt;0.05. Concerning ceramic brackets, higher slot width was seen for American Orthodontics (AO) slots compared to 3M Unitek and Ormco ceramic brackets. This difference was statistically significant with p&lt;0.05. Conclusion: The present study concludes that inaccuracies in dimensions are seen owing to the existing difference between measured values and stated values.

Assessment Of Association Between Pain And Root Resorption Assessment Of Association Between Pain And Root Resorption During Canine Retraction: An Exploratory Study

Background: Pain and root resorption are common adverse events reported in the orthodontic literature. Both are side effects of the sterile inflammatory tissue reaction related to the application of orthodontic force. Aim: The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the association between pain and root resorption during canine retraction. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients indicated for first premolar extraction and canine retraction were recruited. All patients were treated with 0.022” X 0.028” Roth prescription brackets. After leveling and alignment, canines were retracted over 0.017” X 0.025” stainless steel arch wires. Canines were retracted with elastomeric chains applying 150g of force. Root length was measured and resorption was calculated. Measurements were made on the cone beam computer tomograms taken before canine retraction and after 6 months of retraction. The patients were asked to record their pain intensity 24 hours after the replacement of the elastomeric chain. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was calculated for the pain scores and root resorption. Results: The correlation coefficient was very weak (ρ: 0.137, p-value 0.425). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, the correlation between pain scores and root resorption was insignificant.

UNILATERAL BIJAW PREMOLAR EXTRACTIONS FOR CORRECTION OF CROWDING, BUCCALLY PLACED CANINES AND ASYMMETRIC DENTAL MIDLINE - A CASE REPORT

This case report is of a 22 year old male patient who presented with irregularly placed and crowded teeth in bothmaxillary and mandibular arch on the right side with both upper and lower dental midlines shifted to the patients right. This case was corrected non surgically merely by employing simple mechanics with the help of Fixed Orthodontic Mechanotherapy by extracting a single maxillary and mandibular 1st premolar of right side followed by retraction and closure of spaces with the help of Elastomeric chains. The case ended in a Class I Molar and canine relationship bilaterally. The case report emphasizes on the need for extracting 1st premolars only on 1 side in the upper and lower arch for the purpose of correcting the shifted dental midlines. The extractions also favour correction of crowding and buccally placed upper and lower canines on the right side. Following fixed orthodontic treatment, marked improvement in patients smile was achieved and there was a remarkable increase in the patients confidence and quality of lifeThe profile changes and treatment results were demonstrated with proper case selection and good patient cooperation with Fixed appliance therapy. The patient was extremely satisfied with the results at the end of treatment.

Comparison of force degradation and color change of esthetic elastomeric chains

Objective: this study compared the force degradation and color change of esthetic elastomeric chains of four commercial brands. Materials and methods: the study analyzed 10 medium-force esthetic elastomeric chains with 6 links of Morelli, Orthometric, Eurodonto and 3M brands from sealed packages within the expiration date. The elastics were stretched twice their length, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and were immersed in artificial saliva at 37°C. The forces were measured with an orthodontic dynamometer at onset and at intervals of 1, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days after immersion. The force degradation was evaluated calculating the percentage of force lost in relation to the initial force in each time interval, for each group tested separately and also between them. The color change was evaluated by visual analysis scale by observation of photographs of chain elastics before and after study completion by 31 examiners. The ANOVA test of repeated measures was applied considering 2 factors, time and groups, and the Tukey test was used for analysis of multiple comparisons. A significance value of 0.05% was adopted for the analyses. Results: the elastics showed great force degradation. After 7 days the groups presented degradation around 50% of the initial force. In the evaluation between groups, the elastics showed significantly different mean forces. When assessing color change, the scores assigned by examiners evidenced less color changes for elastics of Eurodonto brand. Conclusion: regardless of the commercial brand, transparent elastomeric chains show significant force degradation values ​​after 1 day. The scores assigned to color change evidenced that all commercial brands showed staining, with the best results for Eurodonto elastics.

Effect of sodium fluoride in chlorhexidine mouthwashes on force decay and permanent deformation of orthodontic elastomeric chain

Introduction: Orthodontic elastomeric chain is polyurethane elastomer that is widely used among orthodontists due to its functions. Chlorhexidine (CHX) and sodium fluoride (NaF) are listed in mouthwash composition which could affect the mechanical properties of the elastomeric chain. This study was aimed to analyze the effect of sodium fluoride in chlorhexidine mouthwashes on force decay and permanent deformation of orthodontic elastomeric chains. Methods: This research is an experimental analytic laboratory with pretest-posttest control group design. 150 samples of orthodontic chains were divided into three groups. Group 1: artificial saliva (control group); Group 2: 0,1% chlorhexidine gluconate solution (CHX); Group 3: 0,1% chlorhexidine digluconate with sodium fluoride solution (CHX-NaF). The orthodontic elastomeric chain was stretched and maintained at a standardized distance equivalent to a force of 300 g. The measurement of force decay and permanent deformation were performed with digital force gauge and digital caliper (0.01mm) at intervals of the first, seventh, fourteenth, twenty-first, and twenty-eighth days, respectively. Results: The force decay and permanent deformation of the elastomeric chain compared between three groups (control, CHX mouthwash and CHX+NaF mouthwash) showed did not have any significantly different (p-value&gt;0,05) at the first, seventh, fourteenth, twenty-first, and twenty-eighth days, respectively. Conclusion: Sodium fluoride in chlorhexidine mouthwash showing no significant difference among saliva, CHX mouthwash and CHX+NaF mouthwash on force decay and permanent deformation of elastomeric chain.

New orthopedic and orthodontic treatment modality for adult patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with insufficient maxillary incisor exposure

This paper aims to offer a new orthopedic and orthodontic treatment modality for treating adult patients with mild-to-moderate skeletal Class III discrepancy and insufficient maxillary incisor exposure who reject orthognathic surgery. For Phase I treatment, a rapid palatal expansion or miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion is activated on the maxilla, and a modified lip bumper is installed on the mandibular dentition. At night, a facemask with a forward and downward orthopedic force is applied, whereas during the day, modified lip bumper and intraoral heavy Class III elastics are used. During Phase II treatment, intraoral elastics from the miniscrews between the mandibular premolars to the hooks between the maxillary lateral incisors and canines are activated to increase the maxillary incisor showing. In addition, activating elastomeric chains between the mandibular miniscrews and hooks between the mandibular lateral incisors and canines, the whole mandibular dentition is distally moved, and the mandibular incisors are intruded. Orthopedic and orthodontic treatment using a facemask, modified lip bumper, and mandibular miniscrews is an efficient way to improve adult skeletal Class III malocclusion and deficient maxillary incisor exposure.

Comprehensive comparison of canine retraction using NiTi closed coil springs vs elastomeric chains.

To compare canine retraction using NiTi closed coil springs vs elastomeric chains comprehensively in a split-mouth randomized controlled trial. The canines in 64 quadrants were randomly retracted into the first premolar extraction spaces using NiTi closed coil springs or elastomeric chains, in the maxilla and mandible. The retraction force was 150 g. Cone beam computed tomography scans and study models were obtained before the start of canine retraction and 6 months later. The rate and total amount of canine retraction, canine rotation, tipping, and root resorption were evaluated. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate patients' pain experience. The two methods were statistically similar for dental changes, rate of canine retraction, and root resorption. However, patients reported significantly more days of pain with the elastomeric chain compared to the NiTi closed coil springs. Within the constraints of the current study, using either NiTi closed coil springs or elastomeric chains as force delivery systems for canine retraction results in no significant difference in the rate of canine retraction, tipping, rotation, or root resorption. Pain experience during retraction using elastomeric chains is more significant yet needs further investigation.

Evaluation and Comparison of the Effect of Elastomeric Chain and Stainless Steel Ligature Wire on Maxillary Orthodontic Miniscrew Failure.

Context:Orthodontic miniscrews are used for the purpose of conservation of anchorage.Aims:The aim of the study was to evaluate the orthodontic miniscrew failure between the elastomeric chain-supported retraction and stainless steel (SS) ligature-aided retraction.Settings and Design:This was a cross-sectional split mouth randomized controlled trial.Materials and Methods:The sample (30) was divided equally among the control group and the experimental group (15 each). Miniscrews were placed between second premolar and the first molar of maxilla. The experimental group was based on the split mouth technique wherein right or left side of the maxillary arch was treated using either an elastomeric power chain (EPC) engaged to the miniscrews directly (Group 1) or an EPC engaged indirectly to miniscrews with the help of SS ligature wire (Group 2). In control group, implants were placed in maxilla without any retraction force. Clinical signs of inflammation was assessed at the following interval; 7th day, 14th day, 1st month, 2nd month, and at the time of removal of implant.Statistical Analysis Used:Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA test was used.Results:Mean rank of gingival inflammation was 28.33 at the 1st-month interval in Group 1 and inflammation remained high in the this group for all time intervals in comparison to Group 2. Group 2 showed highest mean rank of inflammation of 26.10 at 7th day. In control group, the inflammation remained low at all the time intervals. Moreover, the difference noted was statistically significant.Conclusions:The gingival inflammation around the peri-implant tissue with the application of EPC at various interval remained high in comparison to the EPC with SS group. The gingival inflammation in the control group was very less, and it remained less throughout the different time periods.

Effect of citric acid on force decay of orthodontic elastomeric chains

Effect of citric acid on force decay of orthodontic elastomeric chains

OMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN DIFFERENT COLORS OF ELASTOMERIC CHAIN: ANIN VITROSTUDY

Este estudo, in vitro, teve como meta medir a influência das cores sobre a degradação da força de elásticos ortodônticos em cadeia da marca Morelli®, após estirados e submersos em saliva artificial. Os valores foram obtidos após mensuração imediata (tempo zero), 30 minutos, 1 hora e 24 horas de submersão. Foram analisadas vinte amostras, escolhidas aleatoriamente, de cada uma das cores de elásticos em cadeia sintéticos. Cada amostra, composta por 4 elos, foi inicialmente pré-estiradas, com o auxílio de duas sondas exploradoras, até o estresse. A determinação da quantidade de estiramento dos elásticos para aferição corresponde a 50% do valor do pré-estiramento inicial. Após a leitura inicial, cada um dos elásticos foi retirado do dinamômetro com o auxílio de uma pinça clínica e em seguida assentados sobre um gabarito com pinos desenvolvidos para acomodação dos elásticos. Os conjuntos (gabarito + elásticos) foram imersos em saliva artificial a 37 °C (histerese ± 1°). Nos intervalos de tempo 30 minutos, 1 hora e 24 horas. As amostras no tempo zero apresentavam diferenças significativas (p&lt;0,05) entre as cores, com maior variação para a cinza e menor para a cor preta. Todas as cores mostraram maior degradação de força na primeira hora.

Generation I and Generation II Elastomeric Chains Characteristics Comparison in Artificial Saliva Immersion

Objective: To determine the force decay and discoloration in Generation I and Generation II elastomeric chain on artificial saliva immersion. Material and methods: Generation I and Generation II elastomeric chains stretched on an acrylic board and immersed in artificial saliva for 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days according to the group of days. On each specified day, the force of each sample measured by an orthodontic force gauge and the magnitude of the force obtained is entered to the formula to find out the force decay in percentage, whereas discoloration of each sample analyzed by the color reader with CIE Lab analysis. Results: The force decay between Generation I and Generation II elastomeric chains showed a statistically significant difference in every group of days, in which Generation II is more effective in maintaining stretch force. Similar to force decay, the discoloration in Generation I elastomeric chains on the 14th day showed significant value and Generation II elastomeric chains were more stable in maintaining color compared to Generation I. Conclusions: over the entire research period time, Generation II elastomeric chains are more stable in maintaining stretch forces and color compared to Generation I elastomeric chains. KEYWORDS Discoloration; Elastomeric chain; Force decay; Generation I; Generation II.

Effects of Different Commercially Available Mouth Rinses on The Force Degradation of Orthodontic Elastomeric Chain

Aim of the study: To evaluate the effects of different commercial type of mouthwashes on the force decay of the orthodontic elastomeric chain. Materials and methods: two hundred pieces of the elastomeric chains with two different configurations were divided into five groups (one control group and four different mouthwashes groups). after one-day immersion in artificial saliva then immersion in the specific mouthwashes (kin, Vitis, perio_aid, splat) for one minute twice daily and time intervals after 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 then washed and kept in artificial saliva at 37°C again. Force decay was calculated by Instron measured, digital force gauge - Instron universal testing machine then compared different force decay of elastic types. Results: A significant difference was found among between the four types of mouth wash and control group, according to close and short elastic chain the kin mouth wash was shows a significant difference (0.002), while splat mouthwash was shown a no significant difference. Conclusion: splat mouth wash groups showed no significant influence on the force degradation of the chain elastics tested. Kin mouthwash exhibit the highest force decay and found different significant effects.

Idealized force decay of orthodontic elastomeric chains follows Nutting Equation

AbstractThe force decay of orthodontic elastomeric modules has been of considerable interest since these biomechanical force‐generating appliances were introduced five decades ago. Two mathematical approaches, a power‐law equation and a Maxwell–Weichert model, have been used by previous investigators to predict the in vitro force degradation under idealized conditions. In this study, the principal sensor approach had the test specimen being strained continuously using a digital force gauge. Test specimens of 13 products from 8 manufacturers were stretched to 25 mm and tested in an artificial saliva at 37°C in both the as‐received condition and after 24 h conditioning. Measurements for specimens strained continuously on the digital force gauge were compared with intermittent measurements for other specimens transferred to this gauge after 19.2 h ageing on a stretching rack, the approach in most past studies. Force data at equally spaced logarithmic time points, normalized to initial force and induced strain, were used to present degradation curves for individual products. Nonlinear regression analyses were used to fit both mathematical models to each product and conditioning state. Statistical analyses show that the power‐law equation (historically the Nutting equation) provides a more accurate prediction of idealized in vitro force decay for the elastomeric products.