Pre-fabricated chain retainers as an alternative to traditional retainers

Preserving the outcome of orthodontic treatment is both important and challenging. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the best way to ensure long-term treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate a pre-fabricated chain retainer (PFCR) in terms of: ability to maintain satisfactory treatment outcomes; periodontal and dental health; complications; and patient satisfaction.

Overall, 130 patients who had completed orthodontic treatment with a fixed appliance during the period 2016-2019 (follow-up time range, 24-55 months) at a specialist orthodontic clinic in Varberg, Sweden and who had a PFCR in the lower jaw were invited to take part in the study. Little's irregularity index (LII) was recorded on dental casts. Caries, gingivitis, calculus, probing pocket depth, and gingival retractions were registered during clinical examinations. Patient satisfaction and retainer complications were evaluated using a questionnaire.

In total, 76 patients (58.5%) agreed to participate. All patients, except for one, had their retainer still in place, and the complication rate was 40%. The LII scores were in the range of 0-4 mm (mean, 1.42 mm). At the retainer site, 82% had calculus, 74% had gingivitis, 1% had pocket depth >4 mm, 10.5% had gingival retractions >2 mm, and 0% had caries. All the patients expressed satisfaction with their retainer.

PFCRs exhibit characteristics similar to those of traditional bonded retainers in terms of complications, stability, side-effects and patient experience. Therefore, they can be considered a viable alternative to traditional retainers installed in the lower anterior teeth.