In contemporary orthodontics the role of plastic materials is ever increasing. As a result, it is useful to broaden our knowledge of these materials especially as they relate to retention procedures.
Plastic is a synthetic material based on carbon chemistry.
Different polymers can be obtained according to the length of the carbon chain. Celluloid, a polymer containing cellulose nitrate and camphor, was the first plastic invented in 1856 by Parkes. It was used instead of ivory for manufacturing billiard balls, piano keys and combs. Shortly before World War II a number of synthetic polymers were created such as nylon, polyester, vinyl, polystyrene and polyethylene. These were followed by epoxies such as polycarbonate, teflon, silicones and polysulfones.