THE SUCCESS RATE OF TWO TYPES OF ORTHODONTIC BONDED RETAINERS

Aim: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to compare the success rate of two types of fixed orthodontic retainers, flat and round wires. Material and methods: 53 patients aged between 11 and 53 years old were included in this study. The patients’ orthodontic treatment history was bimaxillary fixed appliances for all kind of dento-maxillary malocclusions. The patients were sequentially assigned to receive round or flat retainers. Results: No debonding in the first year was considered a success. Retainer failures were monitored and centralized. A statistical test evaluated the success rate by comparing the two types of retainers according to age, gender, and location. Conclusions: Bonded retainers maintain incisor alignment following orthodontic treatment. A significant correlation between age and success rate of the flat wire and the round wire retainer was found (p=0.035). The configuration and type of wire have an important role in the failure rate. The success rate of round wire retainer was higher on females and the flat retainers had a greater success on males.