title: Does chlorhexidine in different formulations interfere with the force of orthodontic elastics?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of different concentrations of chlorhexidine on the decline in force of orthodontic elastics.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a laboratory study, five groups of samples were tested, with one control group represented by distilled water (group 1) and four experimental groups: 0.12% manipulated chlorhexidine (group 2), 0.2% manipulated chlorhexidine (group 3), 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate-based oral solution (0.12% Periogard; group 4), and 0.2% Cleanform mouthwash (formula and action; group 5). The test groups were submersed in artificial saliva at 37°C. Templates were used and submerged in the chlorhexidine solutions for 30 seconds twice a day. Force was measured with a digital dynamometer at six different time intervals: 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistical differences were found among the groups in the initial period, at 24 hours, and at 7 days (P > .05). There were statistical differences between groups 2 and 5 at 14 days of the experiment and between group 1 and the others at 28 days. In the initial period, the force was statistically higher than it was at any of the other periods of the experiment (P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the present study, chlorhexidine showed no significant influence on the force degradation of the chain elastics tested.
authors.affiliation: Southwest Bahia State University-UESB, Department of Health, Jequié, Bahia, Brazil. matheuspithon@gmail.com
authors.forename: Matheus Melo
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Pithon
authors.forename: Dandara Andrade
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Santana
authors.forename: Kássio Henrique
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.forename: Isa Mara Andrade Oliveira
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Farias
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D004548:Elasticity; D020724:Elastomers; D008422:Materials Testing; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D020724:Elastomers; D002710:Chlorhexidine