Faculty Collaboration Database

Effect of disinfecting solutions on the mechanical properties of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures. Angle Orthod 2007 Jul;77(4):681-7

Date

07/04/2007

Pubmed ID

17605480

DOI

10.2319/052806-213

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-34447121573 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   18 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect extended exposure to disinfectant solutions has on the tensile load at failure and glass transition temperature (T(g)) of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Elastomeric ligatures from three manufacturers: Rocky Mountain Orthodontics (RMO, Denver, Colo), American Orthodontics (AO, Sheboygan, Wis), and 3M Unitek (3M, Monrovia, Calif) were exposed to two disinfectant solutions, Vital Defense-D and Cidexplus, for up to 28 days. Unexposed ligatures were also tested. Tensile load at failure was determined by stretching the ligatures using a universal testing machine until they fractured. Glass transition temperature was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

RESULTS: For tensile load at failure and glass transition temperature of the ligatures, significant differences were observed among the different manufacturers and exposure times. Type of disinfectant solution was a significant factor with T(g), but not with failure load. The 3M ligatures had the highest tensile load at failure and most positive T(g) followed by AO and RMO, respectively. Compared to unexposed ligatures, strength significantly decreased after one hour of disinfectant exposure. Glass transition temperature was also significantly affected with extended disinfectant exposure, but the different disinfectants changed T(g) in opposite directions.

CONCLUSION: Exposure of elastomeric ligatures to disinfectant solution for one hour or more decreases their strength.

Author List

Evangelista MB, Berzins DW, Monaghan P

Author

David Berzins BS,PhD Graduate Program Director for Dental Biomaterials in the General Dental Sciences/Dental Biomaterials department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Analysis of Variance
Dental Disinfectants
Dental Stress Analysis
Elasticity
Elastomers
Glutaral
Materials Testing
Organic Chemicals
Orthodontic Appliances
Polyurethanes
Statistics, Nonparametric
Tensile Strength
Transition Temperature