A SURVEY OF RETENTION PROTOCOLS AND TRENDS PRACTICED BY ORTHODONTISTS FROM CENTRAL INDIA: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Retention is necessary following orthodontic treatment to prevent relapse of the final occlusal outcome. So the aim of the study is to evaluate retention procedures and protocols which are used by the Orthodontists from Central India. Methodology: In this study a total of 128 Orthodontists practicing from Central India were sent questionnaire which consisted of questions regarding different types of conditions or orthodontic treatment and the choice of retainer they would prefer.the questions were so designed to know which retainer would they prefer among both the arch. Also to know which type of retainer (removable or fixed) they prefer for certain conditions. Result:A combination of fixed and removable retainers were commonly used by Orthodontists in both the dental arches, except after expansion of the upper arch when removable retainer was preferably used, and after the correction of rotation of mandibular anterior teeth where in Orthodontists chose fixed retainer over removable. Hawleys retainer was most preferred for upper arch (71.9%), Vaccum formed retainer for the lower arch (49.2%). In the fixed retainer bonded to all the anteriors was most preferred (76.6%) in the lower arch while bonded to Central Incisors in the upper arch (80.5%). Conclusion: The Hawley appliance was a predominant removable retainer. The bonded wire from canine to canine was the most frequent fixed retainer. Evidence-based guidelines are required for drawing a common retention protocol.