ABSTRACT
Background: Synthetic elastomeric chain (SEC) is widely used in dentistry, especially orthodontics. SEC is used to increase the function of a fixed orthodontic appliance in the correction of tooth rotation, shortening the length of the dental arch, and diastema closure. In orthodontic treatment, SEC must be replaced within a specific period to maintain hygienic conditions and the force in moving teeth. Besides maintaining a clean oral environment, mouthwash and gargling habits during the COVID-19 pandemic era are suggested to reduce the coronavirus in the oropharyngeal tract. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of mouthwash from the halogen group on the stretch distances of SEC. Methods: Ninety samples of SEC were made with a length of 24.48 mm consisting of 14 holes and stretched to 70 mm, divided into three conditions: soaked in povidone-iodine mouthwash, chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash, and mineral water as control. The soaking process was done in 8 hours for 2 minutes within 30 days in a 37°C incubator. The stretch distance of each sample was measured every 3 days. Results: Thirty days of being stretched and immersed in the liquid changed the SEC from 24.48 mm to 52.80 mm (mineral water), 52.34mm (chlorhexidine gluconate), and 52.19 mm (povidone-iodine). The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to determine the difference between mineral water, povidone iodine mouthwash, and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and showed no significance among the groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that halogen group mouthwash does not significantly influence the stretch distance of SEC.
