Does the Patient Choice of Retainer Affect Retention Success?: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study investigates whether allowing patients to choose the type of retainer-fixed or removable-affects the success of orthodontic retention in terms of stability and patient satisfaction. The hypothesis is that patient autonomy in selecting their retainer type can enhance retention success. Conducted as a two-arm parallel group randomized controlled trial, the study involves patients who have completed fixed appliance treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group, where they choose their retainer type after being informed of the pros and cons, or the control group, where the clinician decides the retainer type.

The primary outcome of the study is the stability of the orthodontic treatment, with secondary outcomes including retainer survival, oral health, and patient satisfaction. Stability is measured using indices such as Little's irregularity index, inter-canine width, and overjet, among others. Oral health is evaluated based on caries presence, sulcus depth, and gingival bleeding. Retainer survival is monitored by incidents of losing or breaking the retainer. Patient satisfaction is assessed through a detailed questionnaire covering aspects such as retainer usage, comfort, and perceived value. Due to the nature of the intervention, blinding is not possible for operators, participants, or assessors. This study aims to provide insights into how patient choice influences the outcomes of orthodontic retention, potentially guiding future clinical practices towards enhanced patient satisfaction and treatment success.

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the impact of patient autonomy on orthodontic retention outcomes. By comparing patient-chosen and clinician-chosen retainer types, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of factors contributing to successful orthodontic retention and overall patient satisfaction.