Bond failure rates for V-loop vs straight wire lingual retainers.
BACKGROUND
The V-loop bonded lingual retainer is an innovative design that allows the patient to floss with ease, a significant advantage over the conventional straight wire design for interproximal plaque control. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the efficacy of straight wire and V-loop fixed retainers with respect to detachment rate when used to stabilize maxillary or mandibular anterior teeth after orthodontic treatment.


METHODS
Fixed, customized retainers were placed in 300 patients and followed for 6 months. The conventional retainer system was a .0175-in stainless steel multi-stranded wire placed as a straight, bonded lingual retainer. The newer system was a .016-in stainless steel black Australian wire placed in a V-loop design.


RESULTS
The detachment rates were 14.3% for the V-loop design and 12.4% for the straight wire retainer. The difference was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The V-loop retainer system addresses cleanability and physiologic adaptability, both critical for the clinical success of bonded lingual retainers used for long-term retention. The interdental wire span of the V-loop design allows easier access for flossing and sufficient flexibility for independent tooth movement in the periodontal space. Patient acceptance of the V-loop bonded lingual retainer was excellent, and most patients in this study found the retainer comfortable and easy to floss.
New York University College of Dentistry, New York, USA.
Krista D
KD
Lee
Christine M
CM
Mills
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D001840:Dental Bonding; D017005:Dental Debonding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D018704:Orthodontic Retainers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000737:chemistry; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D017211:Treatment Failure; D055815:Young Adult
D019279:Resin Cements; C477790:Transbond XT