title: An investigation into the behavioural characteristics of orthodontic elastomeric modules.
abstract: The object of the study was to investigate the behavioural characteristics of orthodontic elastomeric modules with regard to their effect on frictional resistance and their failure load forces, and involved the use of an experimental laboratory-based study. Six cohorts were assembled employing five types of module and two bracket types. Straight lengths of 0.018 x 0.025-inch stainless steel were pulled through the ligated brackets and frictional resistance was measured using an Instron universal testing machine. Recordings were repeated over a 4-week period, during which time the cohorts were placed in a simulated oral environment. Failure load forces of new and used modules were also recorded, and frictional resistance and failure load forces. Analysis of variance revealed that the Minitwin cohort exhibited significantly higher frictional resistance and that the clear modules demonstrated the lowest levels of friction. Time soaked in a simulated oral environment had a variable effect on frictional resistance. A wide range of failure load forces was seen for the five types of module and all types showed a reduction in failure load force following their soaking in the simulated oral environment. There was variation in performance of the different modules both in friction testing and failure load testing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public and Child Dental Health, Dublin Dental Hospital, Ireland.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Dowling
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lagerstrom
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sandham
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation; D004868:Equipment Failure; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D008422:Materials Testing; D019563:Mechanics; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009055:Mouth / Q000502:physiology; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D012408:Rubber / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D016474:Weight-Bearing
chemical_list: D012408:Rubber