| Summary: | This study aimed to investigate alterations in physical properties of orthodontic elastomeric chains when in contact with different controls and acidic beverages. Elastomeric chains were divided into 6 groups (n=18) of elastic chain segments, distributed as follows: Group CW (Deionized water) Group CS (Artificial saliva), Group CC (Coca-Cola®) Group SP (Sprite®) Group GA (Guaraná Antártica®) and Group FA(Fanta®). Elastics were stretched in 50% of the initial length and were held for initial, 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 day time intervals. Force magnitudes were measured at 23.5 mm of activation using a digital meter. Force decay were assessed using analysis of variance(ANOVA) and Tukey's test(p<.05). Control Group CS saliva demonstrated the highest elastic decay values, with statistical difference between time of 24h with time intervals of 14, 21 and 28 days (p<.05). In comparison between groups, there was statistical difference between Group CS and Groups CW and FA in all experimental time-intervals, with group CC in time-intervals 7, 14, 21 and 28 days and with Group GA in time-intervals 7, 14 and 21 days (p<.05). In decreasing order: Coca-cola®, Fanta®, Guarana Antartica® and Sprite® demonstrated capacity to influence elastomeric chain decay, however with less influence than the saliva medium.
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