The effect of toothpastes with bleaching agents on the force decay of elastomeric orthodontic chains

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of agents available in whitening toothpastes (Crest(®) and Sensodyne(®)) in vitro on the force decay of elastomeric chains used in orthodontics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 300 specimens of elastomeric chains were divided into five groups (n = 60) and were evaluated. These groups included (1) the regular Crest® toothpaste and distilled water solution, (2) whitening Crest(®) toothpaste and distilled water solution, (3) regular Sensodyne(®) toothpaste and distilled water solution, (4) whitening Sensodyne(®) toothpaste and distilled water solution, and (5) distilled water as a control group. The samples' force was measured using Instron at intervals of 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. RESULTS: At the initial time point, the difference in the force values of elastomeric chain between any of the groups was not significant (P > 0.05). On the 1(st) day, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between all groups except the groups of whitening Crest(®), regular, and whitening Sensodyne(®) (P > 0.05). On days 7, 14, and 28, the rate of decline for all groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results obtained in the present study, it seems that toothpastes without whitening agents have less effect on force decay of elastomeric chain over time.