Development of an orthodontic elastic material using EMA-based resin combined with 1-butanol.

For the development of new orthodontic elastic material, 1-butanol was added to PEMA-TA/HX resin. In the present study, basic experiments to reveal the mechanical properties of the materials were conducted. FT-IR spectroscopy showed that addition of 1-butanol did not cause any chemical changes to the PEMA-TA/HX resin. After addition of 1-butanol to PEMA-TA/HX resin, the modulus of elasticity, instantaneous modulus elasticity, retarded elasticity and viscosity were lowered in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the elastic strain was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, on the application of heat a shape-memory effect was observed. These results suggest that the modulus of elasticity of this material can be adjusted. Additionally, this material has the ability to restore force as a function of its shape-memory effect in cases of plastic deformation at the insertion of appliances. This new orthodontic elastic material has the potential to be clinically effective in orthodontic treatment.