Effect of Different Fixed Lingual Retainers on Tooth Stability

Effect of Different Fixed Lingual Retainers on Tooth Stability

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different fixed lingual retainers (LRs) on tooth stability after orthodontic treatment using a Periotest® device.

Materials and methods: A total of 82 patients (43 females and 39 males; mean age = 18.61 ± 3.71 years) with no missing teeth in the lower inter-canine region were treated with fixed orthodontic mechanics. At the completion of the orthodontic treatment, each patient was fitted with either Ortho FlexTech (Reliance; Group I), dead soft 8-braided (Bond-A-Braid, Reliance; Group II), or 5-stranded (PentaOne, Masel; Group III) LR wire. A control group consisting of people with a healthy periodontal condition and no bone loss was included (Control; Group C). The mobility of the lower anterior teeth on the right and left sides was measured using a Periotest® device before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 10 months after (T2) the application of the LR. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc LSD, repeated ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test, and Pearson χ2 tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Successful completion of orthodontic treatment with optimum oral hygiene
• A duration of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances of more than 12 months
• No missing teeth, restorations, or morphological crown anomalies
• No radiological alveolar bone loss in the mandibular inter-canine region.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with periodontal problems, such as gingival bleeding and recession, parafunctional habits (e.g., clenching and grinding),
• Any radiological pathology around the lower anterior teeth