CAD/CAM-BASED FIXED LINGUAL ORTHODONTIC RETAINERS MAY BE AS EFFECTIVE AS CONVENTIONAL FIXED RETAINERS

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Technology

Background:

• Fixed retainers are crucial for maintaining orthodontic treatment outcomes.
• Conventional fixed retainers are typically fabricated using manual laboratory procedures.
• Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology offers potential advancements in retainer fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compare the effectiveness of CAD/CAM-based fixed retainers versus conventional fixed retainers in orthodontic patients.
• To conduct a network meta-analysis to synthesize evidence from multiple studies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials and observational studies.
• Network meta-analysis was employed to compare multiple interventions simultaneously.
• Studies comparing CAD/CAM retainers with conventional retainers were included.

Main Results:

• The network meta-analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in the stability of orthodontic results between CAD/CAM-based and conventional fixed retainers.
• Both types of retainers demonstrated comparable efficacy in preventing relapse.
• No significant differences in adverse events were reported between the groups.

Conclusions:

• CAD/CAM-based fixed retainers are a viable alternative to conventional fixed retainers, offering similar long-term stability in orthodontic patients.
• The adoption of CAD/CAM technology in retainer fabrication does not compromise treatment outcomes.
• Further research may explore long-term patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness.