Abstract
Aims: This study designed to determine the force degradation of elastomeric chains (Dentaurum) at different time intervals in different media (air, distill water, Biofresh mouth wash and artificial saliva) and to compare the effect of wet and dry conditions on the force relaxation. Materials and methods: forty new modules of elastomeric chain of sex loops length divided into 4 main groups according to the environment (air, distill water, Biofresh mouth wash "F" and artificial saliva pH 6.75)and stored in an incubator at 37°C, Mean load were recorded for the samples at each time interval zero,1, 24 hour and 1 and 3 weeks respectively, the load measurement were done by tensile testing machine with use of spe-cial fixture to hold the samples and stretched over special framework. Results: The results showed that the mean percent force remaining of elastics is affected by stretching, water absorption, chemicals and times and the amount of loss in dry is less than in wet environments and especially in biofresh mouth wash more than the neutral saliva. Conclusions: the elastomeric chains are greatly affected by stretch-ing, moisture and time.
