Comparison of force decay in orthodontic elastomeric chains exposed to alcohol-free and herbal mouthrinses: An In...

To evaluate and compare the effects of two alcohol-free mouthrinses, Listerine^® Zero, and Pepsodent Daun Sirih^®, on the force decay of orthodontic elastomeric chains commonly used in orthodontic treatment.

Sixty elastomeric chain segments were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 20 per group): control (artificial saliva), Listerine^® Zero, and Pepsodent Daun Sirih^®. Samples were immersed twice daily for 30 sec in their respective solutions and stored in artificial saliva at 37°C between immersions for 21 days. Force measurements were recorded at baseline (Day 0) and on Days 1, 7, 14, and 21 using a digital force gauge. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. As the data were not normally distributed, the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test was applied, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Both mouthrinses produced a progressive reduction in force over time, with the greatest force decay occurring within the first 24 hours, followed by a more gradual decline up to 21 days. However, elastomeric chains immersed in Pepsodent Daun Sirih^® consistently retained higher residual force than those immersed in Listerine^® Zero at all observation periods, indicating a slower rate of force degradation.

Pepsodent Daun Sirih^® demonstrated a lower degree of force decay and maintained significantly higher residual force compared with Listerine^® Zero throughout the observation period. These findings suggest that Pepsodent Daun Sirih^® may be a more suitable alcohol-free mouthrinse for preserving orthodontic force during treatment.