Difference in acceptance and satisfaction perception on the use of Hawley and vacuum-formed retainers among post-orthodontic patients

Objectives:
It has been observed that using a retainer during the retention phase of orthodontic treatment can result in various patient perceptions; however, only limited research exists concerning it. Therefore, the present research studies and analyzes the differences in acceptance and satisfaction perception between patients who use two types of removable retainers: Hawley retainers (HRs) and vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs).

Material and Methods:
This research comprised 80 participants (n per group = 40). Eligible individuals who had finished treatment between 6 months and 5-years-prior and met the inclusion criteria were contacted to partake in this study. The participants were asked to complete a digital-based questionnaire consisting of seven questions. Each patient was asked the questions twice, once for maxillary and once for mandibular retainers. The visual analog scale was used to measure their responses. Blinding was implemented to minimize potential bias during data analysis.

Results:
Statistically significant differences were found in the speaking ability and positive comments received with maxillary retainer in place. Statistically significant differences were not found in the perception of adaptation, cleaning ability, negative comments received, and overall retainers’ acceptance and patients’ satisfaction with both retainers in place, as well as the speaking ability and positive comments received with the mandibular retainer. During the study, no harm was observed in any of the patients.

Conclusion:
VFRs cause less speech difficulty and elicit more positive comments on the maxilla than HRs. No significant differences were found between HRs and VFRs concerning the perception of adaptation, cleaning ability, negative comments received, and overall retainers’ acceptance and patients’ satisfaction with both retainers in place. Moreover, no differences were found between patients’ speaking ability and positive comments received with the mandibular retainer.