IJOMAHIP Published Article Details

Abstract Background Orthodontic elastomeric chains are widely used for orthodontic tooth movement because of their elasticity and ability to deliver continuous forces. However, their mechanical properties may deteriorate following exposure to chemical agents present in the oral environment. Limited evidence is available regarding the effect of levosalbutamol bronchodilator inhaler aerosols on the tensile strength of orthodontic elastics. This study evaluated the effect of repeated levosalbutamol bronchodilator inhaler exposure on the tensile strength of E-link orthodontic elastics under simulated intraoral conditions. Methods An in vitro randomized controlled experimental study was conducted using 68 unused clear E-link polyurethane orthodontic elastics randomly allocated into four groups (n = 17): baseline, artificial saliva control, artificial saliva with two puffs/day of levosalbutamol bronchodilator inhaler, and artificial saliva with four puffs/day of levosalbutamol bronchodilator inhaler. Tensile strength was measured using a calibrated Universal Testing Machine. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post hoc test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Repeated levosalbutamol bronchodilator inhaler exposure significantly reduced the tensile strength of E-link orthodontic elastics. The baseline group demonstrated the highest mean tensile strength, whereas the four-puff exposure group showed the lowest. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences among the four experimental groups (p < 0.001), and Tukey's HSD test demonstrated significant pairwise differences between all groups. Conclusion Repeated exposure to levosalbutamol bronchodilator inhaler aerosols significantly reduced the tensile strength of E-link orthodontic elastics under simulated intraoral conditions. These findings suggest that bronchodilator inhaler use may influence the mechanical performance of orthodontic elastics. Orthodontists should consider inhaler use when monitoring force delivery and determining appropriate replacement intervals for elastomeric chains. Further in vitro and clinical studies are recommended to validate these findings and support evidence-based clinical guidelines. Keywords: Bronchodilator inhaler; in vitro; levosalbutamol; orthodontic elastomeric module; orthodontic materials; polymer degradation; tensile strength