Patients Compliance between Hawley Retainers and Vacuum Formed Retainers Following Orthodontic Treatment A Questionnaire Based Study

Abstract

Original Research Article Retention is considered as an important phase at the end of any active orthodontic tooth movement. Aim: The purposes of this study were to compare compliance between Hawley retainer (HR) and vacuum formed retainers (VFRs) and to detect the reasons for noncompliance. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to those who completed orthodontic treatment and currently have experience with the orthodontic retainer. Items included demographic information and questions pertaining to evaluate and quantify retainer compliance during the postretention phase according to several variables, including time in retention, reasons for not wearing etc. Results: Out of the 80 questionnaires distributed, 75 returned and five were excluded from the study. The mean age of the participants in HR group were 23.2(±1.9) years and in VFR group it is 20.2(±1.8). Out of the 75 respondents 41 females and 34 males participated in the survey. While comparing the reasons for not using the retainer among the participants, in Hawleys group 39.4% does not wear due to its aesthetic problems, pain and discomfort, in 10.5 % the retainer didn’t fit properly. In VFR group the 59.4 % of the participants not wearing the retainer the reason was found to be the problems associated with speech.in both groups the majority doesn’t have any difficulty while removing and wearing the retainer and didn’t experienced any wear or breakages during retainer period. Conclusions: Considering all factors related to compliance VFR and HR have equal level of compliance on different factors and the most surveyed reason for not wearing retainer is difficulty in speech and concerns regarding aesthetics.