Effectiveness of Two Types of Fixed Lingual Retainers in Preventing Mandibular Incisor Relapse

Effectiveness of Two Types of Fixed Lingual Retainers in Preventing Mandibular Incisor Relapse

The study evaluates effectiveness of two types of fixed retainers in post orthodontic patients. Half of the subjects are randomly allocated Group 1 retainer (FRC) and other half is given Group 2 retainer (MSW) and followed for a period of one year.

54 subjects were recruited and divided into two groups by random allocation. Consents were obtained . Group 1 received fiber reinforced composite retainer and group 2 received multistranded stainless steel wire retainer. The patients were recalled at every three months interval for a period of 12 months. They were evaluated for number of fractures, failure pattern based on adhesive remnant index and relapse tendency by measuring little's irregularity index.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who have completed fixed appliance orthodontic treatment.
• Subjects who have signed the consent forms.
• Subjects who have accepted the terms and conditions of visiting after every three months for one year.
• Non extraction cases in the mandibular arch with no IPR.
• Patients without caries/ restoration/ fracture on the lower anterior teeth.
• Patients with healthy periodontium with no periodontal disease at that time.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of syndrome or systemic disease.
• Patients taking medications/ drugs.
• Patients with poor oral hygiene.
• Patients with congenitally absent/ missing anterior teeth in the mandibular arch.
• Patients with habit of clenching/ bruxism.
• Patients with history of betel nut chewing.
• Presence of occlusal interferences.