Dl. Baty et al., FORCE DELIVERY PROPERTIES OF COLORED ELASTOMERIC MODULES, American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, 106(1), 1994, pp. 40-46
Elastomeric chains have been used by clinicians for some time to accom
plish various treatment objectives. Recently, a number of manufacturer
s have added colored elastomeric chains to their inventories. The pres
ent study was designed to investigate the force delivery capabilities
and dimensional stability of these new colored chains. Four different
colors of short filament configuration produced by three manufacturers
were examined. The force delivery capabilities of each chain were tes
ted at 0 hours and, after storage at 37-degrees-C in air, distilled wa
ter, and artificial saliva, at 1 hour, 4 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, 2 we
eks, and 3 weeks. A universal testing machine was used to determine th
e amount of distraction necessary to generate 150 and 300 gf. Dimensio
nal measurements were assessed initially and. after exposure to a simu
lated oral environment, at 1, 2, and 3 weeks. The data from the force
delivery portion of the study were analyzed with a 4-factor factorial
analysis of variance. The data compiled from the dimensional stability
portion were subjected to a 3-factor factorial analysis of variance.
Follow-up Bonferroni simultaneous t tests (family-wise a priori alpha
p < 0.05) was used to determine statistical significance of the differ
ences among sets of means. All colored elastomeric chains in the study
appeared capable of initially generating force levels compatible with
tooth movement. After 24 hours of storage in liquid, the amount of di
straction needed to produce 150 and 300 gf substantially increased. Th
e amount of increased need varied among manufacturers. All chains show
ed an increase in dimensional measurements after 1 week, with little c
hange thereafter.