A Survey of Retention Protocols among Orthodontists in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Teeth need to be retained in their post- treatment positions at the cnd of orthodo ntic treatment. Retention methods and protocols are therefore crucial to oveml I orthodontic treatment success and stabi lily. To assess the various retention pmtocols utilized by orthodontists in Nigeria as well as to evaluate the factors that determine their choices. .Methods: Tltis was a administered during the'20171°Z study Tol=i7e2in orthodontists larluNartrlit .vlerifo'Zdntitirre administered were practitioners. Results: Hawley retainers were the most commonly used retainers in the upper arch (80%), while fixed bonded retention were most common in the mandible (55%). The majority practiced a 2-phase retention protocol (75%), but durations varied widely. Conclusion: Retention protocols varied widely among practitioners. There is a need to develop guidelines for post orthodontic retention and stability of results.
IC, wards: Orthodontic retention, Retention protocols, Nigeria.