In vitro Evaluation of Various Retention Protocols in Sustaining Treatment Outcomes Following Orthodontic Therapy

Orthodontic therapy aims at achieving stable treatment outcomes by ensuring retention of corrected tooth positions. Various retention protocols have been proposed, but their efficacy in sustaining treatment outcomes remains unclear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different retention protocols in maintaining treatment outcomes following orthodontic therapy. Thirty extracted human premolars were subjected to simulated orthodontic movement and then divided into three groups: group A-Essix retainer, group B-Hawley retainer, and group C-bonded retainer. Retention efficacy was assessed through measurements of tooth movement over a period of 6 months using a digital caliper. The mean amount of mesial movement observed in group A was 0.5 mm (SD ± 0.1), in group B was 0.7 mm (SD ± 0.2), and in group C was 0.3 mm (SD ± 0.1). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in retention efficacy among the three groups ( < 0.05). The bonded retainer demonstrated superior efficacy in sustaining treatment outcomes by minimizing post-orthodontic tooth movement compared to Essix and Hawley retainers. Thus, the bonded retainer may be considered a preferable option for retention following orthodontic therapy.