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.