Orthodontic Retainers

Abstract

To ensure that the results of fixed orthodontic therapy are maintained and do not relapse, it is crucial to retain and preserve the treatment outcomes. Retention is an essential aspect of orthodontics and can be viewed as the final stage of treatment. It is necessary to maintain an optimal esthetic and functional occlusion following orthodontic therapy. Aim : The objective of the article is to acknowledge the significance of maintaining the outcomes of orthodontic therapy and to assess the various techniques used to fabricate fixed and removable appliances for retention. Materials and Methods: The present article evaluates the different protocols for lingual fixed retainers, as well as removable retentive appliances such as Hawley, Begg, and vacuum-formed retainers (VFR). Removable appliances have been used for retentive purposes for a long period of time. Bonded fixed retainers were introduced in the 1970s, and they have several advantages over removable retentive appliances, such as better esthetics, the absence of patient cooperation, and suitability for lifelong retention. Fixed retainers can be of conventional or digital type. Conventional fixed retainers can be fabricated and attached directly or indirectly to the teeth using a transfer tray. Moreover, bonded retainers can now be digitally manufactured using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM).