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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Studying Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mice
Published on: August 2, 2024
Epidemiologic study of orthodontic retention procedures
Jens A D Padmos1, Piotr S Fudalej2, Anne Marie Renkema3
1Department of Orthodontics, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Dutch orthodontists increasingly use lifelong bonded retainers. All are aware of unintentionally active retainers, with some linking them to round multistrand wire properties, highlighting a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Retention protocols are crucial in orthodontic treatment to maintain achieved tooth alignment.
- Understanding current practices and orthodontist awareness of potential complications is essential for improving long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey current retention procedures used by Dutch orthodontists.
- To assess orthodontists' familiarity with unintentionally active retainers and their perceived causes.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive questionnaire was distributed to 306 practicing Dutch orthodontists.
- The survey covered general information, retention modalities, bonded retainer wire characteristics, and awareness of unintentionally active retainers.
Main Results:
- A high response rate (98%) was achieved, indicating strong engagement.
- Lifelong bonded retention is prevalent, especially in the mandibular arch (92%).
- All orthodontists recognized unintentionally active retainers, with 44% attributing the issue to round multistrand wires.
Conclusions:
- The trend towards lifelong bonded retention is growing.
- Orthodontists are aware of unintentionally active retainers, but causative factors require further investigation.
- Preventing inadvertent tooth movement related to bonded retainers necessitates identifying all contributing factors.
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