Does acidic drinks vs. controls differents interfere with the force of orthodontic chain elastics?

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate alterations in physical properties of orthodontic elastomeric chains when in contact with different controls and acidic beverages. Elastomeric chains were divided into 6 groups (n=18) of elastic chain segments, distributed as follows: Group CW (Deionized water) Group CS (Artificial saliva), Group CC (Coca-Cola^®) Group SP (Sprite^®) Group GA (Guaraná Antártica^®) and Group FA(Fanta^®). Elastics were stretched in 50% of the initial length and were held for initial, 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 day time intervals. Force magnitudes were measured at 23.5 mm of activation using a digital meter. Force decay were assessed using analysis of variance(ANOVA) and Tukey's test(p<.05). Control Group CS saliva demonstrated the highest elastic decay values, with statistical difference between time of 24h with time intervals of 14, 21 and 28 days (p<.05). In comparison between groups, there was statistical difference between Group CS and Groups CW and FA in all experimental time-intervals, with group CC in time-intervals 7, 14, 21 and 28 days and with Group GA in time-intervals 7, 14 and 21 days (p<.05). In decreasing order: Coca-cola^®, Fanta^®, Guarana Antartica^® and Sprite^® demonstrated capacity to influence elastomeric chain decay, however with less influence than the saliva medium.