The effects of 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde solution on the elastic properties of elastomeric chain.

The effect of two proprietary alkaline gluteraldehyde solutions on the strength (failure load) and the required displacement or stretching to achieve a force of 500g was studied for six types of elastomeric chains. The effect of disinfection (short-term exposure) and sterilization (long-term exposure) as well as repeated immersion cycles on these parameters was evaluated. The findings showed that exposure to gluteraldehyde solution affected the strength and the distention required to deliver a force of 500g of certain elastomeric chains. However, the resultant changes were relatively small and are probably insignificant in the clinical setting.