Effect of chlorhexidine mouth rinse in force decay of closed, short and long elastomeric chain - An in vitro study

: Elastomeric chain is one of the most commonly used orthodontic material, Evaluating the force transmission ability of elastomeric chains is essential so that orthodontists can estimate the actual force transferred to the dentition. The aim of this study was to assess effect of chlorhexidine mouth rinse on force decay of continuous, short and long elastomeric chain in chlorhexidine mouth wash. : The sample consisted three commercially available Orthodontic elastomeric chain (American Orthodontics, clear) such as continuous, short and long. These elastomeric chains were analysed with one experimental group and one control group. In control group all the three types of chain were dipped in distilled water for 30 second every day while in experimental group these elastomeric chains were dipped in mouth wash (Clohex Mouth Wash ADS) for 30 second every day. The result was tested by digital dynamometer and was statistically evaluated using ANOVA test. : Continuous elastomeric chain showed least force decay in both experimental and control group throughout the study. In the inter group comparison there was significant difference of force decay between elastomeric chains with the control group and experimental group in the 3 week in both continuous and short elastomeric chain, experimental group showed more force decay.: Mouthwash does not accelerate force degradation of elastomeric chains which could clinically affect their effectiveness. However, the results could be variable in the presence of other biological factors in the oral environment and their interactions between oral microorganisms with the host.