The Effect of Pigmentation on Latex and Non-Latex Orthodontic Elastics
Abstract
Background: Intraoral Elastics have been widely used in Orthodontics for well over 100 years. Changes in material composition, manufacturing and addition of color to elastics has shown to effect force levels over time.
Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of pigmentation on force levels and their degradation over time in both Latex and Non-Latex orthodontic intraoral elastics.
Materials & Methods: Groups consisted of elastics in Latex from American Orthodontics in both natural and four different colors, American Orthodontics Non-Latex in natural, Ormco Latex in both natural and four different colors, Auradonics Latex in both natural and 4 different colors, and Auradonics Non-Latex in both natural and four different colors (25 groups total, 10 elastic samples in each group). Data collection was performed over 24-hours, at five-minute time intervals. Samples were stretched to a starting distance of 19.10mm (manufacturer recommended) and cycled with an additional 25mm at each 1-minute time interval to simulate function. A custom-built testing apparatus was utilized to simulate the intra-oral environment, and force data was collected. Latex elastics containing green pigment degraded faster and delivered lower force values, in all manufacturers, at most time points. By 12-hours, the Non-Latex elastics showed significantly lower force levels than Latex elastics. At 24-hours several of the Non-Latex elastics had failed.
Conclusions: Pigmentation and Material Composition had a significant effect on force levels and their degradation over time, with green pigment and Non-Latex elastics showing lower forcer values and greater force decay rates over time.