IS VACCUM FORMED RETAINOR BETTER THAN BONDED RETAINER? SINGLE BLIND, RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Objective: This prospective trial aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of bonded retainers versus vacuum-formed retainers in maintaining lower arch alignment after orthodontic treatment over an 18-month period.

Methodology: Study was conducted at orthodontic department of NID, Multan from June 2022 to December 2023. Patients having all treatment records including models, nearing end of orthodontic treatment, clinically satisfactory treatment results and alignment were included. A total of ninety patients included 45 patients in bonded retainer group and 45 in vacuum formed retainer group. 

Results: It was seen that little's irregularity index was relatively high in Group B than Group A, (p<0.001). Intercanine width was also relatively high in Group B than Group A, (p<0.001). But intermolar width was relatively high in Group A than Group B, (p=<0.001). Arch length in Group A was slightly high than the Group B, (p=p<0.001). But extraction site space in Group A and Group had almost same occurred and the difference was statistically insignificant, (p>0.050).

Conclusion: Bonded retainers have been shown to maintain superior mandibular incisor alignment compared to vacuum-formed retainers during the first six months following debonding, with studies indicating that these retainers provide more stable and consistent positioning of the incisors.