Effect of different fixed lingual retainers on tooth mobility: prospective clinical study

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Biomaterials

Background:

• Fixed lingual retainers (LRs) are used to maintain tooth alignment post-orthodontic treatment.
• Understanding the impact of different LR designs on tooth mobility is crucial for long-term stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of three distinct fixed lingual retainers on mandibular anterior tooth mobility at a 10-month follow-up.
• To evaluate changes in tooth mobility following the application of lingual retainers.

Main Methods:

• A clinical trial involving 72 patients allocated to three lingual retainer groups (Ortho FlexTech® chain, Bond-A-Braid®, Penta-One®) and 20 controls.
• Tooth mobility was measured using a Periotest® device at baseline (T0), immediately after retainer application (T1), and 10 months post-application (T2).

Main Results:

• Tooth mobility significantly decreased from baseline (T0) to post-application (T1 and T2) across all retainer groups (P < 0.05).
• No significant differences in mobility were observed between the three lingual retainer types at T1 and T2 (P > 0.05).
• Canine tooth mobility (teeth 33 and 43) showed a significant decrease over time across all groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Lingual retainer application leads to immediate reduction in tooth mobility.
• Tooth mobility remains stable during the 10-month follow-up period after initial reduction.
• The observed decrease in canine mobility suggests a potential correlation between root size and tooth mobility post-orthodontic retention.