The Effect of an Antimicrobial Mouthwash On The Modulus of Elasticity of Different Elastomeric Ligatures, An In Vivo Study

Background and Objective: Elastomeric ligatures are the most popular method of ligation. There is increased level of bacterial plaque around these auxiliaries. Orthodontic patients are recommended to use antimicrobial mouthwash against bacterial plaque accumulation. Since mouthwashes may influence mechanical properties of elastomeric rings, the aim of this clinical study was to investigate the effect of Ortho-kin mouthwash on the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of four different elastomeric rings.Materials and Methods: fifteen patients (8 female and 7 male, age 15±3 years) were randomly selected. The design of the investigation was split mouth study. In the first stage, in each patient, four trademarks of elastomeric rings (Falkon, ODP, Ortho technology and Astar) were randomly tied on the canine teeth. After 28 days elastomeric rings were removed and the MOE was measured. In the second stage, the elastomeric rings from the same brands were tied on the same teeth. The patients used Ortho-kin mouthwash for 28 days based on manufacturer′s instruction. Afterward, elastomeric ligatures were removed and MOE was measured. Generalized estimating equation test was used to compare the MOE of each ligature before and after mouthwash consumption. Pairwise comparison test was used to compare the MOE between the groups.Finding: Before mouthwash use, ODP yielded the highest MOE (2.16 ± 0.02) and Falkon showed the least (1.02 ± 0.01). There was significant difference between MOE of all groups (all p< 0.001). In all groups MOE significantly decreased after mouthwash consumption (all p < 0.001). Similarly, after mouthwash use ,ODP yielded the highest MOE (1.92 ± 0.05) and Falkon showed the least (0.78 ± 0.01). There was significant difference between the MOE of all the elastomeric rings(p< 0.001) except between Ortho technology and Aster (p= 0.78).Conclusion: There is significant difference between MOE of the elastomeric rings. Furthermore, mouthwash products can influence mechanical properties of elastomeric rings and must be considered when prescribed for patients.

Keywords:

elastomeric ligature , modulus of elasticity , Ortho-kin mouthwash