Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Unexpected complications of bonded mandibular lingual retainers
Christos Katsaros1, Christos Livas, Anne-Marie Renkema
1Department of Orthodontics and Oral Biology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. C.Katsaros@dent.umcn.nl
Introduction:
The flexible spiral wire (FSW) retainer is the most frequently used type of fixed retainer bonded on all 6 anterior teeth. Our aim in this article was to demonstrate unexpected posttreatment changes in the labiolingual position of the mandibular anterior teeth associated with the use of FSW retainers.
Methods:
During a 3-year period, patients attending the postgraduate orthodontic clinic of the Department of Orthodontics and Oral Biology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, for regular, posttreatment follow-up appointments were screened for unexpected posttreatment changes in the mandibular anterior region.
Results:
Twenty-one patients with FSW retainers bonded on all 6 mandibular anterior teeth presented unexpected posttreatment changes in that region. Almost half of these patients were assessed as needing retreatment. Two patients are presented to illustrate the 2 distinct patterns of posttreatment changes: torque difference between 2 adjacent mandibular incisors and increased buccal inclination and movement of one mandibular canine.
Conclusions:
FSW retainers bonded on the 6 mandibular anterior teeth might cause unexpected movements of anterior teeth to such an extent that retreatment is necessary. Clinicians should consider this possibility when planning the retention strategy.
