Influence of different disinfection processes on intra-arch latex elastic

• Published in: Revista odonto ciência 2015, Vol.30 (2)
• Main Authors: de Oliveira Dias Macêdo, Érika, Denise Ottonelli Stopiglia, Cheila, Beatriz Borges Fortes, Carmen, Maria Werner Samuel, Susana, Lúcia Scroferneker, Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0102-9460; 1980-6523
• DOI: 10.15448/1980-6523.2015.2.11176

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of intra-arch latex elastic of different brands and colors when subjected to disinfection procedures. Methods: A total of 320 units of American Orthodontics elastic; Morelli and Uniden were selected and divided into four groups according to the performed disinfection process: autoclave - 15 minutes; hypochlorite - 20 minutes; glutaraldehyde - 30 minutes and control. The disinfecting agents and the disinfection time were defined by a prior microbiological test. Before and after disinfection, by means of a universal trial machine, the maximum generated strength - until the rupture occurred - was evaluated. Results: The autoclave disinfection reduced significantly the strength generated by elastic, in 75% of the brands. The disinfection in hypochlorite increased significantly the strength generated by Morelli elastic; probably the alteration to its elastic property increased its rigidity. Neither the Yellow Uniden nor the American elastic suffered any significant reduction in strength as the result of hypochlorite disinfection. The glutaraldehyde was the disinfectant solution with less significant effect on the strength of the bands, affecting only the Green Uniden. Conclusion: The results suggest that the 2% glutaraldehyde is the disinfectant less aggressive to the elastic performance.