Orthodontic retention regimes: will we ever have the answer?

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Research
• Evidence-Based Dentistry

Background:

• This review systematically searched major databases for randomized controlled trials on orthodontic retainers used post-braces to prevent relapse.
• Inclusion criteria focused on trials involving children and adults, assessing relapse, retainer survival, oral health, and quality of life.

Discussion:

• The review found only five eligible trials, all with poor methodological quality and comparing different interventions.
• Weak evidence suggests circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy combined with Hawley retainers may enhance stability in anterior segments.
• Limited evidence indicates Hawley retainers might facilitate quicker tooth settling compared to clear overlay retainers.

Key Insights:

• Current research on orthodontic retention methods is insufficient to inform clinical practice.
• There is a significant lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials in this critical area.
• No studies reported on the quality of life outcomes associated with different retention strategies.

Outlook:

• Urgent need for rigorous, high-quality randomized controlled trials to establish best practices for orthodontic retention.
• Future research should focus on comparing specific retention techniques and assessing long-term outcomes, including quality of life.
• Standardized methodologies are required for future meta-analyses in orthodontic retention research.