Assessment of Color Stability and Force Decay of Orthodontic E-chains after Placing in Different Fluoridated Mouthwashes: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: The aim of this research was to evaluate the force decay and color stability of orthodontic elastomeric chains (E-chains) following their exposure to two different fluoride mouthwashes.

Materials and methods: A total of 90 E-chains were divided into 3 groups (n = 30): Group I: E-chains immersed in artificial saliva (control); Group II: E-chains immersed in chlorhexidine gluconate and sodium fluoride mouthwash; Group III: E-chains immersed in sodium fluoride mouthwash. The test groups were exposed to the test solutions for 60 seconds twice daily and the force readings were recorded at baseline, 7th day and 21st day. A spectrophotometer was used to determine the colors of an E-chain in compliance with the CIELAB standard. Using an instron machine, the E-chain force was measured at a rate of 30 mm/minutes. data was recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results: At baseline, there was no significant difference found between the groups. While at both the time intervals, 7th day and 21st day, increased mean force decay of E-chains was found in group II (176.08 ± 0.14, 142.28 ± 0.10) followed by group III (182.60 ± 0.10, 158.14 ± 0.08) and control (194.34 ± 0.18, 181.20 ± 0.12) group respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between the three groups. The maximum color changes were found in group II (from 2.40 ± 0.10 to 6.34 ± 0.04) followed by group III (from 2.48 ± 0.06 to 5.26 ± 0.01) group and control (from 2.56 ± 0.12 to 3.10 ± 0.01) group, it was statistically significant.

Conclusion: On conclusion, according to the current investigation, the orthodontic E-chains had higher force decay and color changes from the chlorhexidine gluconate and sodium fluoride mouthwash groups than from the artificial saliva and sodium fluoride mouthwash groups.

Clinical significance: This research contributes to the clinical performance of E-chains used in orthodontics by lowering force degradation and, ultimately, helping clinicians select better and more effective treatment approaches. The force degradation of E-chains varies depending on the composition of mouthwash. How to cite this article: Chakraborty D, Dmello K, Sam G, et al. Assessment of Color Stability and Force Decay of Orthodontic E-chains after Placing in Different Fluoridated Mouthwashes: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(3):273-276.