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

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different fixed lingual retainers (LRs) on tooth mobility after orthodontic treatment at the 10-month follow-up.  Methods: 72 patients were allocated to three different LR groups (Ortho FlexTech® chain, Bond-A-Braid®, Penta-One®). Additionally, 20 non-treated people were included as a control group. The mobility of six mandibular anterior teeth was measured using a Periotest® device at each time points (before application of LR [T0], immediately after application of LR [T1] and 10 months after [T2] the application of the LR), and at only one time (T0) for the control group.

The mobility value was significantly lower at T1 and T2 compared to that at T0 (P < 0.05); yet, there were no differences at T1 and T2 in all LR groups (P > 0.05). No significant differences in mobility between the T0-T1, T0-T2, and T1-T2 time points were observed across the LR groups (P > 0.05). The mobility of teeth 33 and 43 decreased over time across all study groups (P < 0.05).  Conclusions: Mobility decreased immediately after LR application, but did not change during the 10-month follow-up in the treatment groups. The observed decrease in mobility of canines over time, in contrast to other teeth, suggests a relationship between root size and mobility.

The current clinical trial was recorded at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06284499, 08/02/2024, retrospectively registered.