The purpose of this study was to compare the force loss of 1/4 inch (6.35mm) 3.5oz (99g) medium latex elastics from Ormco Corp. to non-latex elastics from ClassOne Orthodontics and Phoenix after being cycled between different temperatures. Elastics were stretched to 1.57 inches (40mm) on jigs and cycled in water baths for 4 minutes at 5 degrees C and 37 degrees C, 21 degrees C and 37 degrees C, 5 degrees C and 50 degrees C, 37 degrees C and 50 degrees C, and a control group was held at 3 degrees 7 degrees C. The force produced by new elastics and elastics after incubation was measured using a Mini 44 Instron.
Results: All elastics experienced increased force loss that correlated with increased temperatures with the exception of Ormco latex elastics. The latex elastics had the greatest force loss upon cycling between 5 degrees C and 50 degrees C while the non-latex elastics had the greatest force loss while cycling between 37 degrees C and 50 degrees C. All elastics were strongest when cycled between 5 degrees C and 37 degrees C.
Conclusion: This study suggests that hot liquids reduce the force of latex and non-latex elastics even when cycled between hot temperatures for brief periods of time.