Figure 2.
Characterization of the novel orthodontic elastomeric ligatures. (A) Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the novel elastomeric ligature with the characteristic peak around 702 cm−1. (B,C) Water contact angle measurements of the initial and novel elastomeric ligatures. (D) The difference in water contact angle measurements between the initial and novel elastomeric ligatures. The data are represented as Mean ± SD (n ≥ 3). *** denoted significant statistical differences with the initial group (p < 0.001). With DMAHDM grafted, the elastomeric ligature exhibited a transition from hydrophobicity to heightened hydrophilicity.