Evaluating the Influence of Reminder Text Messages to Wear the Removable Retainers in Orthodontic Patients- A Randomized Prospective Study

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence and cooperation of Orthodontic patients to wear removable retainer by sending reminder text messages. 54 orthodontic patients (24 males and 30 females) aged between 18 to 25 year were enrolled for the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: an Experimental group (27 patients) who received timely reminder text messages and a Control group (27 patients) who did not receive any messages. Text Messages were sent thrice a week for a period of 6 months. Two measurements were calculated on plaster models i.e. Inter canine width and extraction spaces at three time intervals during the observation period. The plaster models were made at the time of insertion of retainer (T0) after 3 month of wearing the retainer (T2) and then after 6 months (T3). A statistically significant differences were observed in the intra- and intergroup comparisons. Group 1(Control) showed increase in both inter canine width and extraction spaces. Whereas Group 2 showed non-significant differences for both parameters. It was concluded from the results that reminder text messages had a positive influence on patient compliance regarding wearing the removable retainer after completion of fixed orthodontic treatment.