Objective:  

 To evaluate the effects of different concentrations of chlorhexidine on the decline in force of orthodontic elastics.

 Materials and 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).

 Conclusion:  

 In the present study, chlorhexidine showed no significant influence on the force degradation of the chain elastics tested.

 Source: The Angel Orthodontists

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