The effect of pH levels on nonlatex vs latex interarch elastics.

Objective: To evaluate the force decay characteristics of nonlatex vs latex interarch elastics within the normal range of salivary pH levels.

Materials And Methods: Two nonlatex groups and one latex quasi-control group were tested. Elastics were stretched to 15 mm and were held for 10 seconds (baseline), 4 hours, 8 hours, and 12 hours in artificial saliva solutions with pH levels of 5.