Force decay rate of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures

Emanoela Volles de SOUZA, Alvaro de Moraes MENDES, Marco Antônio de Oliveira ALMEIDA, Cátia Cardoso Abdo QUINTÃO

Purpose: to evaluate gray and clear module and cane-loaded elastomeric ligatures of the brand Morelli to determine the percentage of decay of the forces they deliver. Methods: the elastomeric ligatures were stretched over 4mm diameter stainless steel dowels and placed in synthetic saliva bath at 37ºC. The intensity of the forces delivered were taken at start, after 24 hours, one week, two weeks, three weeks and four weeks at a tensile test machine. Results and Conclusions: the cane-loaded ligatures delivered, in a period of 4 weeks, in average, greater force intensity than the modules. The percentage of force decay of all ligatures increased rapidly between zero and 24 hours and gradually after that period, except for the 28th day, when probably there was a loss of elastic properties of the ligatures. The researchers did not note any constant behavior in the cane-loaded and module ligatures in relation to the colors: gray and clear.

Keywords: Elastomeric ligature (module). Elastomeric ligature (cane-loaded). Force decay.

Saturday, December 28, 2024 22:49