Effect of peracetic acid on orthodontic elastics: an in vitro experiment

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the elasticity of orthodontic elastics after disinfection and sterilization with 0.2% peracetic acid. Materials and methods: In this in vitro pilot study, Morelli® and American Orthodontics™ elastic bands in gray and crystal colors were divided into three experimental groups: Group 1, immersed in distilled water for 72 hours, Group 2, immersed in 0.2% peracetic acid for 10 min (for disinfection) and Group 3, immersed in 0.2% peracetic acid for 30 min (for sterilization). After immersion, the tensile strength values of the elastics were analyzed in a universal test machine (EMIC DL-1000) to evaluate the strength, in Newtons, necessary for their rupture. Normality of the data was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and data from the different experimental groups were compared using the ANOVA test. Results: For both brands, there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental groups regarding tensile strength. Discussion: This study presented an alternative method for the disinfection and sterilization of thermo-sensitive materials. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that the sterilization of orthodontic elastics with 0.2% peracetic acid did not change their modulus of elasticity.