Effect of Dental Care Products on Latex‐Free Orthodontic Elastomeric Chains: A Comparative Analysis of Mechanical, Surface, and Thermal Properties
Dora Pasti, Kinga Kardos, Roland Told, Peter Maroti, Emese Paari‐Molnar, Zoltan Ujfalusi, Peter Szabo, Dora Olle Gora, Zsuzsanna GurdanABSTRACT
Elastomers play an essential role in orthodontic therapy, and their force degradation influences treatment effectiveness. This in vitro study focuses on the effects of dental care products on the force degradation, surface, and thermal properties of elastomers. Nine types of latex‐free elastic chains from five manufacturers were tested. These chains were tensed to 50 mm and were kept in artificial saliva for six weeks (at 37°C). To simulate a daily routine, elastomers were brushed daily for 3 min using Parodontax or Sensodyne, or rinsed for 30 s with different fluoride‐containing mouthwashes (Curasept ADS 205 or ADS 212). Tensile testing, force degradation measurement, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analyses were performed. G&H Orthodontics’ Short elastomer demonstrated the least force degradation in all treatments and maintained its strength consistently following an initial force decrease. Curasept ADS 212 fluoride‐free mouthwash caused over 20% strength loss and significant surface damage in all chains by week six. Therefore, the utilization of elastomeric chains for more than four weeks is not advised when this mouthwash is used. Parodontax toothpaste has minimal adverse effects on the mechanical stability of the elastomers; its use is recommended during orthodontic therapy.