CHARACTERISTICS OF A FLUORIDE-RELEASING ELASTOMERIC CHAIN

The physical properties and fluoride releasing capabilities of a recen tly introduced fluoride-containing elastomeric chain (Fluor-I-Chain) h ave been evaluated and compared to those of a standard gray elastomeri c chain. When stored in solution, there was a progressive loss of the force delivered by both types of chains. In particular, they both requ ired increased displacement to achieve force levels of 150g and 300g b ut the fluoride chain required significantly more displacement to achi eve the same force level. When maintained at a constant distraction of 100%, Fluor-I-Chain was unable to deliver a force within the optimal range for tooth movement after one week. In contrast, the force delive ry level of the standard graychain remained adequate over the entire t hree-week test period. Fluoride was released by the fluoride-containin g chain over a three-week period at a level that could inhibit deminer alization and promote remineralization.