Comparisons of the Mechanical Properties of 3 Commercial Brands of Non-latex Orthodontic Elastics

Abstract

© (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. Nonlatex orthodontic elastics have been developed as alternative products for latex allergic patients. However, to date, the studies on nonlatex elastics are limited and controversial. Therefore, further investigation of the mechanical properties of nonlatex elastics should be conducted. To investigate and compare the mechanical properties of 3 commercial brands of nonlatex orthodontic elastics. Samples of imported nonlatex orthodontic elastics [Neon (Dentsply, USA), Creative (Creative Orthodontics, China), Ortho-Tomy (Tomy, Japan)] were selected to compare their dimensional characteristics and mechanical properties. All the elastics were measured for their dimensions (i.e., inner diameter, cross-sectional thickness and width) before testing their mechanical properties [(i.e., initial extension force (F0), 24 h- residual force (F24), force decay, force exerted at 3 times the specified inner diameter (F3xID) and breaking force] The data were analyzed with One-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons by Tukey’s test was used among groups (p<0.05). Variations of the dimensional and mechanical characteristics were found among each brand of the elastics. The initial force and 24 h-residual force were significantly lowest in Neon. The mean of force decay of all brands ranged from 19.48—23.39%. Ortho-Tomy and Creative exerted a higher F3xID than the specified force value while Neon exerted a lower force than that specified. The breaking force was found lowest in Creative elastics; however, the result indicated that all brands of the elastics were strong enough regarding the Standards Association of Australia. All brands of the elastics had acceptable mechanical properties and could be alternatives for latex allergic patients despite there were some variations among each brand.