Comparison of Three Commercial Latex and Non-Latex Orthodontic Elastic Bands

Orthodontic elastic bands are commonly made from natural rubber because they provide high resiliency at a reasonable cost. However, hypersensitivity related to protein present in latex have been reported in some patients which has led to increased usage of non-latex elastic alternatives. Therefore, the assessment of their mechanical properties is of importance. The objective of this study was to compare the physical and mechanical properties of three commercial latex and non-latex type orthodontic elastic bands. Samples of latex and non-latex type orthodontic elastics from manufacturers – AO (6.5oz), MASEL (6.0oz), GAC (6.0oz), with 3/16-inch diameter were selected. Firstly, the physical characteristics (width, cross-sectional thickness, and inner diameter) of the elastic bands were determined, following which their mechanical properties [initial extension force (F0), 24 h-residual force (F24), percentage of force decay, force exerted at 3 times the inner diameter (F3xID) and breaking force] were tested. The data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test and multiple comparisons among the groups were done with Kruskal-Wallis Test (p< 0.05). Significant differences were found in the physical characteristics and mechanical properties among each brand and type of elastics. AO elastic bands had significantly low F0 and F24 compared with the others. While the percentage of force decay at 24 h was greatest in AO followed by MASEL and GAC. Non-latex type elastics showed greater force decay than latex type ones, approximately 30-40% and 20-30% of the initial force in non-latex and latex type elastic, respectively. AO elastics showed the highest F3xID and also the lowest breaking force. Overall, non-latex type elastics exhibited lower breaking force compared to latex type ones. Wide variations were observed in the physical and mechanical characteristics among same manufacturer and same elastic type. All commercial brands presented higher F3xID than that stated by the manufacturers. Non-latex type elastics showed greater force decay over 24 h than latex type ones. The differences in the properties between the 2 types of the elastics could be due to the differences in their structure and polymers composition.