The Common Retention Practices Among Orthodontists from Different Countries.

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Orthodontic treatment aims for long-term stability, necessitating effective retention strategies.
• Understanding current retention practices is crucial for optimizing post-treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify prevalent orthodontic retention practices among clinicians.
• To explore factors influencing the selection of retention protocols.
• To analyze variations in retention strategies across orthodontists.

Main Methods:

• A validated online questionnaire was distributed to 3,000 orthodontic residents and clinicians.
• The survey collected data on demographics, prescribed retention appliances, influencing factors, and adjunctive procedures.
• Descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi2, Kendall's Tau-b) were employed for analysis.

Main Results:

• A response rate of 18.5% (555 participants) was achieved.
• Thermoplastic retainers were favored for the maxillary arch (adults 47.4%, adolescents 42.3%).
• Bonded retainers were preferred for the mandibular arch (adults 44.9%, adolescents 40.7%).
• Arch expansion and post-treatment interdigitation were key factors in retainer selection.
• A majority (68.6%) supported the development of professional retention guidelines.

Conclusions:

• Thermoplastic retainers dominate maxillary retention, while bonded retainers are preferred for the mandible.
• Clinical experience, practice setting, and malocclusion/treatment factors shape appliance choice.
• Demographic variations and survey participation rates warrant consideration in interpreting findings.