Survey Reveals Factors Affecting Compliance with Removable Orthodontic Retainers in Brunei Darussalam

Brunei: A recent survey conducted in Brunei Darussalam aimed to explore patient compliance with removable orthodontic retainer wear among those who had completed fixed appliance orthodontic treatments.

The survey, which had a response rate of 54.9%, received 364 responses from patients who had completed orthodontic treatment at the government orthodontic clinics.

Demographic Factors Influence Compliance

The study found that age and employment status were the variables that determined compliance, with respondents under 20 years old and employed being the most compliant.

The survey also collected demographic information, which was used to detect significant associations between variables using Chi Square, Fisher’s Exact tests and Independent T-Test.

Satisfaction Levels for Hawley and Vacuum-Formed Retainers

The survey explored the wear times of three types of removable orthodontic retainers, including Hawley retainers only, Vacuum-formed retainers only, and those wearing a combination of Hawley and Vacuum-Formed retainers.

The mean satisfaction levels of Hawley Retainer and Vacuum-Formed Retainer were reported to be 3.7 (P = 0.565), with no significant difference found between the two retainer types.

Reasons for Wearing and Not Wearing Retainers

The survey revealed that most respondents wear their retainers to keep their teeth straight. However, discomfort and forgetfulness were the primary reasons for not wearing retainers, besides speech difficulties. 32.7% of Hawley retainer wearers reported not wearing their retainers due to speech difficulties.

Orthodontic treatments are only considered successful when the treatment goal is achieved and the results remain stable. Successful orthodontic outcomes are mainly based on retention to prevent relapse.

According to the researchers, retention is of paramount importance as it provides stability to the newly positioned teeth, resulting in improved aesthetics and functional occlusion.

Lack of Consensus on Retention

Orthodontists have no consensus on the necessity for retention, the types of retainers to use, or the length of time retainers should be worn after completing orthodontic treatment, the study notes.

This survey provides useful data that will benefit orthodontists in having proper guidelines in the prescription of removable orthodontic retainers.

Read the full article: A survey of patient compliance with removable orthodontic retainer wear in Brunei Darussalam.