Force degradation of orthodontic elastomeric chains--a product comparison study.

In the last 20 years, synthetic elastic modules have been introduced to the orthodontist. However, force decay of these materials has been a clinical problem and the purpose of this project was to evaluate the force decay patterns of three commercially available elastomeric products--Ormco Power Chain II, Rocky Mountain Energy Chain, and TP Elast-O Chain--in a simulated oral environment. Thermal-cycled samples experienced less force decay over a 21-day period than samples stored at 37 degrees C. Furthermore, statistical analysis confirmed that there was a highly significant difference (p less than 0.01) between the mean force exerted by short modules and long modules for each material. Overall, modules producing higher initial forces (short modules) underwent less force decay after 21 days than did modules producing lower initial force values (long modules). All materials exerted 216 to 459 grams of force initially. After 21 days of simulated tooth movement, the force exerted by the elastic modules was 70 to 230 grams--a significant reduction (p less than 0.001).