Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Different Thermoplastic Orthodontic Retainer Materials after Thermoforming and Thermocycling

• DOI: 10.3390/polym15071610
• Publication Date: 2023-03-24T06:34:54Z
• Authors: Alaa T. Albilali; Bashayer H. Baras; Mohammad A. Aldosari
• Keywords: Thermoforming; Retainer; Flexural modulus; Rockwell scale

While the durability of thermoplastic aligners has been subject numerous studies, retainers received significantly less attention. Patients are often advised to wear their indefinitely, so materials used in fabrication is crucial determining whether they worth cost. Limited studies have evaluated properties retainer and effects thermocycling on mechanical properties. Thus, this study aimed examine six after thermoforming with without thermocycling. The materials' flexural modulus, hardness, surface roughness values were measured (Group 1) subsequent for 10,000 cycles 2). After thermoforming, there was a significant difference modulus hardness between most materials. However, not different (p < 0.05). thermocycling, increased tested 0.05) compared Group 1. Concerning roughness, only two showed higher than all differed except roughness. Moreover, while made stiffer harder general, it also some them rougher.