Force-Degradation Pattern of Six Different Orthodontic Elastomeric Chains

OBJECTIVE An ideal orthodontic force system should exert continuous light force. Thus, many efforts have been made to improve the memory characteristics of elastomeric chains. The aim of this study was to compare elastomeric chains (ECs) claimed by their manufacturers to offer high memory with traditional ones according to their force-extension diagrams. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this in-vitro study, ECs were divided into six groups, each containing 40 pieces of chain, from three brands (American Orthodontics, GAC and Ortho-Technology). Each brand was divided into two groups with respect to their claimed characteristics (with or without memory). Each sample was stretched to twice its original length and kept constant in 37°C distilled water. Force-extension diagrams were drawn by universal testing machine at 0,1,8,24,72 hours and 1, 2, 4-week intervals. Additionally, the amounts of elongation required to deliver 200 g force were calculated. To compare the results, ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed. RESULTS Force-decay rate was significantly different between traditional and memory chains (p<0.05). For traditional chains, there was a substantial decay in force in the first hour and 30-40% of the force was retained at 4 weeeks. The memory chains demonstrated more constant force and retained 60% of the force. The maximum amount of elongation required to deliver 200 g force belonged to American Orthodontics memory chains (61.9% after 24hr) and the minimum to Ortho-Technology ECs (23.4% initially). CONCLUSION Memory chains exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to traditional ones. For delivering the same force, memory chains required more elongation. Memory chains of GAC and American Orthodontics showed better characteristics among all chains.