Comparative Evaluation of Tensile Strength in Orthodontic Aligners Exposed to Common Disinfectants: An In-Vitro Study

DR. NAVIN GOKUL E; DR. MONIS RAZA; DR. PRASHANT KUMAR SHAHI; DR. RIDHI KOTHARI TYAGI; DR. ACHINT JUNEJA; DR. NIVEDITA SHARMA

doi:10.21276/ujds.2025.v11.i2.4

DR. NAVIN GOKUL E MDS Student, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics Institute of Dental Studies & Technologies, Modinagar, Ghaziabad (U.P)
DR. MONIS RAZA Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics Institute of Dental Studies & Technologies, Modinagar, Ghaziabad (U.P)
DR. PRASHANT KUMAR SHAHI Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics Institute of Dental Studies & Technologies, Modinagar, Ghaziabad (U.P
DR. RIDHI KOTHARI TYAGI Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics Institute of Dental Studies & Technologies, Modinagar, Ghaziabad (U.P)
DR. ACHINT JUNEJA Professor and Head, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics Institute of Dental Studies & Technologies, Modinagar, Ghaziabad (U.P)
DR. NIVEDITA SHARMA Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics Institute of Dental Studies & Technologies, Modinagar, Ghaziabad (U.P)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21276/ujds.2025.v11.i2.4

Abstract

Aim:
This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the tensile strength of three commercially available orthodontic aligner materials—Duran Plus, Erkodur-AL, and Zendura FLX—after exposure to commonly used disinfectants, thereby simulating real-world oral hygiene practices.

Materials and Method:
Seventy-two aligner specimens were fabricated using thermoforming over standardized 3D-printed maxillary models from three thermoplastic materials. Each material group (n=24) was divided into four disinfectant exposure groups—Povidone-Iodine (1%), Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.02%), Hydrogen Peroxide (5%), and Cetylpyridinium Chloride (0.6%)—with exposure durations of 1 and 7 days. Tensile strength testing was conducted using a Universal Testing Machine. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test.

Results:
Zendura FLX consistently demonstrated the highest tensile strength across all groups, followed by Duran Plus and Erkodur-AL. Statistically significant differences were observed between materials (p < 0.001), especially after 7 days of exposure, where Erkodur-AL showed a marked decrease.

Conclusion:
Zendura FLX exhibited superior mechanical stability after disinfectant exposure. Though disinfectant type did not significantly alter tensile strength within the same material, prolonged exposure reduced strength across all materials. The study highlights the critical role of material selection and hygiene practices in aligner therapy.