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

Abstract

Objective: 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. Results: 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. Trial registration: The current clinical trial was recorded at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06284499, 08/02/2024, retrospectively registered.