Orthodontic retention procedures in New Zealand: A survey to benefit clinical practice guideline development

Background: The aim of the current study was to survey contemporary retention procedures applied by orthodontists in New Zealand and to examine their acquaintance with unintentionally active retainers. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 92 orthodontists involved in patient treatment in New Zealand. The questionnaire consisted of questions on orthodontic retention procedures, wire material for bonded retainers, and those related to unintentionally active retainers. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 22.0; IBM, Armonk, NY). Tests for the relationship between two items were based on the χ² test. Results: The response rate was 88%. The most often-applied retention modality was a solitary removable retainer in the upper arch combined with a solitary bonded retainer in the lower arch. The combination of dual retention in the upper arch with a solitary bonded retainer in the lower arch was also applied frequently. Ninety percent of the orthodontists preferred permanent (life-time) retention with bonded retainers. Acquaintance of unintentionally active retainers varied. One in 8 was not familiar with this phenomenon and 1 in 5 had never observed any. Conclusions: A trend toward more dual retention instead of solitary removable or solitary fixed retention, more vacuum-formed retainers instead of Hawley-type retainers and more life-long retention instead of retention for a definite period of time has been demonstrated. For all dental professionals in New Zealand and worldwide, it is necessary to be familiar with unintentionally active retainers and be able to identify them. This can prevent the worsening of inadvertent tooth movements.