A Comparison of Force Decay between Coil Spring, Elastomeric Chain and Tie-backs in Various Alcohol Concentrations found in Mouth Rinse: An In-vitro Study

Abstract

Background: The ability to close space efficiently in Orthodontics is of major clinical importance. Elastomeric power chain, coil spring, and tiebacks are commonly used in Orthodontics to achieve tooth movement during the closure of spaces. Many mouth rinses which are used by the patients to achieve good oral hygiene affect the properties of the material used during treatment resulting in force decay if they contain alcohol. Aim: To know the effect of mouth rinses containing different alcohol Concentrations on the force decay of retraction materials. Materials and Methods: A study was carried out to test the effect of alcohol exposure found in mouth rinses on orthodontic NiTi closing coils, elastomeric chains, and tie-back. A total of 135 specimens were divided into one control group and two test groups submerged in artificial saliva at 37⁰ C. Two test groups each of them exposed to different alcohol-containing mouthwashes (Listerine and Povidone-iodine) for 60 seconds twice a day and the control group were exposed only to deionized (DI) water for 28 days. Force measurements were taken at six-time points (initial, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days) using a digital force gauge. Results: The comparison between the tensile strength was made by digital force gauge and the p-value (≤ 0.05) for tensile strength was derived by ANOVA test, multiple comparisons, and Tukey’s correction. Significant force decay was seen in test groups when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Force degradation of retraction products used during orthodontic treatment was effected by mouth rinses containing alcohol.