Periodontal implications of fixed retainers

Abstract

Orthodontic retention has evolved into an essential element of orthodontic treatment, applicable regardless of a patient's age, specific malocclusion, or the type of mechanotherapy employed. It is common practice in many regions to utilize fixed retention in a majority of patients. Existing research suggests that the presence of fixed retainers has a relatively minimal impact on periodontal tissues. However, given the often prolonged, and sometimes lifelong, retention periods, it is essential to acknowledge specific limitations within the scientific literature. These include the relatively short durations of observation in most randomized clinical studies, the potential influence of the Hawthorne effect, selection bias (such as the inclusion of patients with exemplary hygiene), and the risk of retainer activation. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution when assuming that fixed retainers are entirely free of risks to periodontal health.