Force of colored intermaxillary latex elastics from different suppliers: A comparative in vitro study
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Abstract
Background: Colored orthodontic latex elastics are increasingly popular among younger patients, yet their mechanical behavior may vary. Differences in force delivery and degradation over time can compromise treatment efficiency. Understanding the force–extension relationship and relaxation behavior of these elastics is essential to ensure continuous, optimal orthodontic forces.
Objectives: This study evaluated and compared the standard force–extension index (three times the lumen diameter), initial force delivery, and force degradation of colored intermaxillary latex elastics from different manufacturers, with varying lumen diameters and declared force values, under simulated oral conditions.
Materials and Methods: This in vitro study assessed the force characteristics of colored intermaxillary latex elastics from three manufacturers: American Orthodontics® (Sheboygan, WI, USA), AURAdontics, Inc. (Riverside, NJ, USA), and G&H Orthodontics® (Franklin, TN, USA). A total of 180 elastics (15 per group) were tested, yielding 1,080 force measurements. Elastics with declared forces of 4.5 oz from all manufacturers and 6.5 oz elastics from G&H were included in three lumen diameters (3/16, 1/4, 5/16 in). The standard force‑extension index was determined by stretching each elastic to three times its lumen diameter. To simulate oral conditions, elastics were extended to fixed distances (14.29, 19.05, 23.81 mm), immersed in distilled water at 37°C, and measured at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Statistical analyses compared force values across manufacturers, lumen diameters, declared force levels, and time intervals.
Results: The standard force–extension index varied from -34.30% to 16.70%. Elastics with declared 4.5 oz forces showed closer agreement with the standard index (mean 1.13%) than 6.5 oz elastics (mean -26.84%). All elastics exhibited rapid force loss within the first hour, followed by a gradual decline. After 24 hours, the remaining force averaged 60.87% for 4.5 oz elastics and 69.71% for 6.5 oz elastics.
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