Periodontal status in long-term orthodontic retention patients up to 10 years after treatment - a cross-sectional study

Analysis of quality of life and periodontal health with an eight-unit maxillary fixed retainer through a prospective clinical trial

Retention is crucial in orthodontics, aiming to preserve treatment outcomes and enhance patient satisfaction with permanent fixed retainers. However, a removable retainer may be needed with fixed retainers to prevent unwanted changes. An eight-unit extended fixed retainer is proposed to eliminate the need for a removable retainer, addressing the undesired changes associated with six-unit fixed retainers. The impact of extended retainers on periodontium and quality of life remains unexplored. This study evaluates the periodontal response and patient-reported quality of life with an eight-unit maxillary fixed retainer. A single-arm prospective clinical trial with only twenty-eight test group patients (6 males, 22 females) who finished active orthodontic treatment were recruited. The mean age was (19.8 ± 4.5 years). This research was approved by the institutional review board of the Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University (IORG:0008839, No-0479-8/2022). The registration date of this study was (5/06/2023). An eight-unit maxillary fixed retainer was bonded to the palatal surface of the maxillary incisors, canines, and first or second premolars directly after debonding the brackets. The periodontal assessment and quality of life were carried out through clinical examination and valid questionnaires and the patients were followed up for 12 months. The periodontal response improved significantly at 1-year follow-up. The Probing depth, Gingival index, Plaque index, Bleeding index, and mobility index were significantly lower in these patients. Quality of life was assessed by the OHIP-14. The mean score decreased by -1.86 (SD = 4.19), and the acceptance of the orthodontic appliance scale score increased by 0.68 (SD = 0.86), which was significant with a p-value < 0.001. For 12 months of follow-up, an eight-unit maxillary retainer did not adversely affect the periodontal ligaments. meets patients' expectations and maintains a high quality of life.

Preclinical in vitro study of streptococcus mutans accumulation in three fixed retainer designs: Microbiological assay

The use of fixed retainers in the lower arch is frequent; however, its presence increases the accumulation of biofilm and dental calculus. The objective of this research was to evaluate, in vitro, the accumulation of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in 3 designs of fixed retainers. Nine models were reproduced in heat-cured acrylic resin and divided into groups: straight retainer (SR), retainer with vertical strap (RVS), retainer with horizontal strap (RHS). The accumulation of S. mutans was assessed using the MTT assay (3-4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and then measured using an automated reader. The RHS group showed less biofilm accumulation compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The distance between the tooth surface and the retainer showed a strong negative correlation with biofilm accumulation (rs=-0.79, p=0.00037). The RHS showed significantly less accumulation of S. mutans due to the distance between the retainer and the tooth surface. This research provides relevant data for a future randomized clinical trial.

Orthodontic Retainers-A Critical Review

The achievement of aesthetic, functional occlusion should not mark the end of the orthodontic intervention. To prevent relapse, retention needs advance planning, and may vary in duration. This review aims to present and comment on the available means of retention. The ever-popular, passive Hawley-like removable appliances are credible in maintaining the desired occlusion. Modifications are the removable appliance Wrap Around, having the labial archwire extending to the premolars; the translucent retainer, Astics, a unique aesthetic Hawley-type device; and the reinforced removable retainer, which features a metallic grid reinforcing the acrylic base. Vacuum-formed retainers are easy to fabricate and are readily prescribed. By contrast, fixed retainers are made of orthodontic wire and composite resin bonded on the lingual or palatal surfaces of the anterior teeth. Patient-related variables need evaluation to select the appropriate retainer, while patients ought to realize the importance of retention and comply with offered guidance. Overall, the orthodontist is responsible for keeping the patient informed on the properties and the duration of retention, even before starting active orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic Retainers-A Critical Review

The achievement of aesthetic, functional occlusion should not mark the end of the orthodontic intervention. To prevent relapse, retention needs advance planning, and may vary in duration. This review aims to present and comment on the available means of retention. The ever-popular, passive Hawley-like removable appliances are credible in maintaining the desired occlusion. Modifications are the removable appliance Wrap Around, having the labial archwire extending to the premolars; the translucent retainer, Astics, a unique aesthetic Hawley-type device; and the reinforced removable retainer, which features a metallic grid reinforcing the acrylic base. Vacuum-formed retainers are easy to fabricate and are readily prescribed. By contrast, fixed retainers are made of orthodontic wire and composite resin bonded on the lingual or palatal surfaces of the anterior teeth. Patient-related variables need evaluation to select the appropriate retainer, while patients ought to realize the importance of retention and comply with offered guidance. Overall, the orthodontist is responsible for keeping the patient informed on the properties and the duration of retention, even before starting active orthodontic treatment.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures on Oral Hygiene, Periodontal Health, and Treatment Satisfaction of Orthodontic Retention Patients up to Ten Years after Treatment-A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This cross-sectional study evaluated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on (1) oral hygiene, (2) periodontal health, (3) retainer failure, (4) orthodontic treatment satisfaction, and (5) outcome satisfaction in orthodontic retention patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether orthodontic retention treatment is associated with patient-reported outcome measures on oral hygiene, periodontal health, and treatment satisfaction. Methods: A ten-item questionnaire on the five PROMs was conducted among 211 consecutive retention patients up to ten years following orthodontic treatment. Linear regression models were computed to detect possible associations between the PROMs and retention treatment or patient characteristics. Results: The presence of a fixed lingual retainer was not associated with the reduced ability to perform oral hygiene, self-perceived periodontal health, or orthodontic outcome satisfaction. Older patients were more content with the orthodontic treatment result (p < 0.05). Patients with fixed lingual retainers in the mandible were less satisfied with the course of orthodontic treatment (p < 0.05). Smokers more often reported gingival bleeding (p < 0.05). Females reported increased gingival recessions (p < 0.05) and perceived their teeth as longer than before treatment (p < 0.05). Longer orthodontic treatment duration corresponded to retainer failure (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In general, long-term orthodontic retention patients were satisfied with orthodontic treatment. These patients reported the satisfactory ability to perform adequate oral hygiene and periodontal health, and they communicated a high degree of treatment and outcome contentment. However, patients with a retainer in the mandible were less satisfied with orthodontic treatment.