Abstract
The orthodontist must be able to choose an elastic band with force-extension characteristics that are most suitable for the particular tooth movement required. From a clinician view it would be mandatory not only to know the clinical aspect of these elastics but also their basic properties, in order to extract the most out of these polymers. Stretching of elastics are thought to be the primary cause of force degradation of orthodontic elastics but there is evidence of increased force degradation of elastics when exposed to various types of substances like artificial saliva, phosphoric acid and citric acid. Orthodontic elastics have received mixed reactions of practitioners as reported by the vendors of orthodontic supplies. The present study is designed to compare the force deterioration of different orthodontic elastomeric materials in artificial saliva medium. There was a force deterioration over time in all materials, being greatest on the seventh day of the experiment, especially more in the chains; From the third to the fourth week there was no noticeable force degradation in either group; By the end of the experiment, modules showed less deterioration of the force compared to the chains and threads.