Biomechanical Evaluation of Different Numbers, Sizes and Placement Configurations of Ligaclips Required to Secure Cellophane Bands

To determine the number, size, and configuration of ligaclips most resistant to tensile forces when applied to cellophane bands. In vitro mechanical evaluation. Single-layer and triple-layer cellophane bands, 9.0 and 11.5 mm ligaclips. Triple-layer bands were secured with a different number (2-5), size (9.0 or 11.5 mm) or configuration (linear or alternating placement) of ligaclips and mechanically tested. Force-deformation curves were generated and yield load in Newtons (N) was determined for each variable. A 3-way analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey's tests was used for statistical comparisons. Yield load for single-layer and triple-layer bands secured with 4 alternating 11.5 mm ligaclips was compared using a paired-sample (independent) t-test with P