Leaching From Orthodontic Polymers Using A Simplified Chemical Method

Polymers are the base or matrix substance for many plastics and devices (like adhesives, retainers, elastomeric chemicals, elastic ligation rings) used in orthodontics, many of which are placed in direct contact with human soft tissues, often for years. In contrast to commonly used drugs where the government policy on safety regulations have been well delineated, polymers being a relatively new entry such regulations have not been clearly laid down, the controls imposed on polymers by various governmental agencies are weak.As a result, manufacturers do not disclose the ingredients or the procedures used in their production and the most orthodontic journals accept articles that cite commercial names instead of providing pertinent scientific information. This book elaborates the leaching from orthodontic polymer using simplified chemical method (DICI).