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Occlusal contact area changes with different retention protocols: 1-year follow-up
1Private practice, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Summary
Hawley and bonded retainers allow natural occlusal settling, improving dental alignment. Essix retainers restrict tooth movement, potentially worsening alignment and cast-radiograph evaluation (CRE) scores over one year.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Orthodontic treatment aims for ideal occlusion.
- Retention protocols are crucial for maintaining treatment outcomes.
- Evaluating different retention methods is essential for long-term stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare occlusal contact area and cast-radiograph evaluation (CRE) score changes.
- To assess three distinct retention protocols after one year.
- To determine the efficacy of different retainers in maintaining orthodontic results.
Main Methods:
- 90 patients were divided into three retention groups: Essix, Hawley, and bonded retainers.
- Digital models analyzed occlusal contact area changes over one year.
- American Board of Orthodontics CRE assessed follow-up occlusion models.
Main Results:
- Hawley and bonded retainers increased occlusal contact area, indicating settling, except for incisors.
- The bonded retainer group showed the most settling, similar to the Hawley group.
- Essix retainers significantly decreased occlusal contact area, while CRE scores worsened.
Conclusions:
- Hawley and bonded retainers facilitate natural occlusal settling.
- Essix retainers restrict necessary vertical tooth movement.
- Retention choice significantly impacts long-term occlusal stability and CRE scores.
