Dynamic force delivery and damping behavior of different brands of elastomeric chains using dynamic mechanical analysis

Introduction: The ability to close space efficiently in orthodontic tooth movement is of major clinical importance. Elastomeric chains are extensively used as tooth moving mechanism in orthodontics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamic force delivery and damping behaviour of different brands of elastomeric chains using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis. Materials and Methods: Five types of clear elastomeric chains were taken from the different manufacturers: GAC International (Sunburst TM Power Chain), 3M Unitek (AlastiK TM Power Chain), ROCKY MOUNTAIN ORTHODONTICS (Energy Chain TM ), ORMCO Power Chain and LIBRAL (Rabbit Force). Dynamic Mechanical Analysis was performed at room temperature at eight defined frequencies (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 Hz) in immediate succession from lowest to highest. Five variables (Dynamic force, loss Stiffness, Storage Stiffness, Tan Delta and Damping) were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Post-Hoc test was done to evaluate the difference between the means at different frequencies. Results: Post-hoc tests compared all frequencies for each brand showing significant differences were found among the different types of brands. Significance was set at 0.05. Conclusion: GAC brand had higher dynamic, storage and loss stiffness values. GAC brand shows higher damping values at lower frequencies.