Do mouthwashes with and without bleaching agents degrade the force of elastomeric chains?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, in vitro, the effect of mouthwashes with and without bleaching agents on the force of elastomeric chains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 elastomeric chain specimens was divided into six groups (n = 18 in each group). Two test groups were exposed to two types of commonly used mouthwashes (Plax and Listerine), and two groups were exposed to mouthwashes containing bleaching agent (Plax Whitening and Listerine Whitening). Immersion in the solutions was performed twice a day for 60 seconds. One group of control specimens remained immersed in artificial saliva throughout the entire experimental period, and the other control specimens were exposed to distilled water. Force measurements were performed at six time intervals (initial, 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days).

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the initial period (P > .05). Statistically significant differences were found between the control group and the Plax, Plax Whitening, and Listerine groups at the time intervals of 7, 14, and 21 days. In the initial period, the force was statistically significantly higher than it was in any of the other experimental periods (P < .05). The control group with distilled water and the test group with Plax Whitening maintained the most force during the experimental period.

CONCLUSION: The presence of bleaching agent has no influence on the force degradation of elastomeric chains.