AIM: the purpose of the present study was to compare periodontal indexes after the use of two types of bonded fixed retainers: conventional 3x3 plain retainer (orthodontic wire 0.8mm, bonded to the canine teeth only) and the modified retainer (0.6mm multi strand wire, allowing free access to dental floss and bonded to all anterior teeth). METHODS: a test group of fifteen patients used the conventional retainer for 6 months. After a two week interval, the modified retainer was used for another 6 months. Previous to each phase, the patients went through tooth scaling, root planing and oral hygiene orientation. At the end of each phase the dental plaque index, gingival index and dental calculus index were evaluated. Furthermore, the calculus accumulation along the retainer wire was measured and all patients answered a questionnaire about the use, acceptance and comfort of both types of retainers. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: the scores for the plaque and gingival indexes were higher for the modified retainer (p<0.05) in the lingual and proximal surfaces. The same occurred with the calculus index in the proximal surfaces (p<0.05). The calculus along wire index also scored higher (p<0.05) for the modified retainer. All patients described the use of the conventional retainer as being more comfortable. Therefore, it was concluded that the conventional retainer is a better treatment choice than the modified retainer.
Bonded fixed retainer; Plaque; Dental calculus
