A survey of patient opinions on fixed vs. removable retainers.

摘要

As many as two-thirds of all patients will demonstrate moderate-to-severe relapse within 10 years after orthodontic treatment. As a result, patients are becoming both more aware and more accepting of the need for long-term retention. Although many orthodontists have promoted the need for permanent retention, few investigators have assessed the opinions and preferences of patients regarding the use of permanently bonded retainers (PBRs) as opposed to removable retainers (RRs). The present survey, part of a long-term retrospective study, solicited the views of post-retention patients on the relative merits of fixed vs. removable retainers.