Calibration of Force Extension and Force Degradation Characteristics of Orthodontic Latex Elastics

The force-extension characteristics of orthodontic elastics made of natural rubber latex by 4 manufacturers were subjected to static testing under dry and wet conditions. The elastics consisted of 3 sizes: 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16 inch lumen sizes, each with forces specified according to the standard extension index of three times the lumen diameter. Most of the elastics did not match the specified index using the dry tests, but this should not be a serious clinical concern as all elastics showed acceptable regularity of force-extension characteristics. There was notable force degradation of all elastics when subject to water immersion, approximating 30% during the hour, but with an average less than 7% further loss up to 3 days. There were significant differences in force extension and force degradation characteristics between different extensions and force magnitudes for the elastics of the different manufacturers. It is suggested that the clinician could use the table of force degradation values for different extensions to select an appropriate elastic.