Retention Protocols and Factors Affecting Retainer Choice among Iraqi Orthodontists.

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Assessing common orthodontic retention protocols among Iraqi orthodontists.
• Investigating the influence of sociodemographic factors on retention choices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify prevalent retention strategies in Iraqi orthodontics.
• To analyze how orthodontists' backgrounds affect their selection of retention systems.

Main Methods:

• An e-survey with 23 multiple-choice questions distributed to 225 Iraqi Orthodontic Society members.
• Data collected on sociodemographic status, factors influencing retention selection, retainer types (upper/lower arch), and duration.
• Chi-square test employed to determine associations between variables and sociodemographic factors.

Main Results:

• High response rate (87.5%). Original malocclusion (80.2%) and clinical experience (49.7%) were key factors in choosing retention.
• Maxillary arch: combination of vacuum-formed and fixed retainers (35%). Mandibular arch: fixed retainers (46.7%).
• Most recommended initial full-time removable appliance wear (78.2%) for 3-6 months (47.2%). Fixed retainers bonded to all anterior teeth (79.7%) were common, fabricated chairside (75.1%) using flowable composite (54.8%). Many recommended permanent retention (53.8%).
• Significant associations found between sociodemographic factors and retainer type, duration, and fabrication.

Conclusions:

• Combined removable and fixed retainers are frequently employed in orthodontic retention.
• Sociodemographic characteristics significantly impact the selection of orthodontic retainers.