Color stability of five orthodontic clear elastic ligatures

Abstract

Exposure to a staining agent, cumulative exposure time, and commercial brand are factors that influence the color stability of clear elastic ligatures.

Influence of Whitening and Regular Dentifrices on Orthodontic Clear Ligature Color Stability

“…As reported in a previous study, the staining of clear elastics depends not only on the exposure time and storage medium, but also on the material composition . Elastic ligatures manufactured using injection moldings were reportedly more resistant to color changes than those made by extrusion .…”

“…Test groups for each elastic brand were exposed for 1 hour daily to red wine (San Martín assemblage, Flores da Cunha, RS, Brazil) with a 10.4% v/v ethanol (pH = 3.3). Red wine was selected as the staining agent based on pilot studies and a previous investigation that illustrated its ability to stain the ligatures. Distilled water and red wine pH measurements were performed in triplicate using a pH meter (An2000; Analion, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil).…”

“…A 28‐day exposure period represents the average time between orthodontic clinical appointments. A spectrophotometer (SP60; X‐Rite, Grand Rapids, MI, USA) measured ligature color based on the CIE L * a * b * parameters, as previously described . The ligatures were removed from the brackets, and the specimens were placed on a standard white background for color measurement (CIE L * = 93.2, a * = −0.3, and b * = 1.6).…”

“…However, aesthetic brackets are associated with translucent elastomeric ligatures, usually polyurethane based, that generally do not provide adequate color stability. Elastic ligatures are vulnerable to pigment absorption from food and drink in the oral environment . Ligature discoloration is a significant clinical concern because the bracket‐ligature set may become less aesthetically appealing over time.…”

“…Premature discoloration of elastic ligatures compromises the device aesthetic properties, which increases patient dissatisfaction and decreases the between‐visit interval. Pigmentation of orthodontic ligatures usually depends on the ligature type, commercial brand, and pigmenting agent …”