A Study To Evaluate The Effect Of Sterilization And Disinfection On Tensile Strength Of Orthodontic Elastomers

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Sterilization refers to a process that eliminates all living organisms, including both pathogenic and non-pathogenic entities, in their vegetative state or as spores found the exterior of the material intended for sterilization. Throughout the years, the predominant methods of physical heat sterilization utilized practices in dentistry have included saturated steam, dry heat and chemical vapour. The processes of sterilization and disinfections are fundamental elements of any infection control program within a healthcare environment. Although elastomeric chains and intraoral elastics are widely accepted and utilized, there remains a degree of uncertainty regarding their mechanical and biological characteristics following sterilization and disinfection procedures.

Material and methods: A sample of 60 orthodontic elastomers were collected. These samples were further divided into two groups, as elastomeric chain and intraoral elastics. Each group will be further subdivided into 6 sub-groups depending upon the different sterilization and disinfectant methods - Control Group; 2% Glutaraldehyde; 70% Alcohol; 1% Peracetic acid; Hot Water (70°); and Autoclave. The samples were tested for evaluation of tensile strength in a Universal Testing Machine. The data collected underwent statistical analysis.

Results:The study showed that in Elastomeric Chain group, there was a statistically meaningful difference in Control Group versus 1% Peracetic Acid and Autoclave with respect to tensile strength. In Intraoral Elastics group, there was a statistically meaningful difference in tensile strength between the control group versus 2% glutaraldehyde, 1% peracetic acid and hot water.

Conclusion:The statistically significant differences observed in study regarding the disinfection and sterilization of orthodontic elastomers lead us to conclude that alcohol, 2% glutaraldehyde and hot water were suitable for the sterilization of Elastomeric Chains, while alcohol and autoclaving were appropriate for Intraoral Elastics.

Keywords: Elastomeric Chain; Intraoral elastics; Sterilization; Disinfection; Orthodontic elastomers.