Different Perception on the Use of Hawley and Vacuum-formed Retainers Amongst Post-orthodontic Patients. Part 1: Discomfort and Aesthetic Perception

Backgrounds and Objectives
The use of a retainer in the retention phase creates different perceptions amongst patients. However, the evidence regarding it is limited. This research was conducted to analyze the difference in patients’ perception of discomfort and aesthetics between Hawley and vacuum-formed retainers.
Methods
This study included 80 patients (n per group = 40). Patients were invited to participate if they had completed their treatment for 6 months to 5 years and complied with the inclusion criteria. Seven questions were given to the patients using a digital-based questionnaire. Each was asked twice to address both maxillary and mandibular retainers. Responses were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale. Blinding was applied through data analysis.
Results
Statistically significant differences were found in the perception of the aesthetic, shape, and retainer color. Statistically significant differences were not found in the perception of comfort, pain, sharpness, pressure, presence of soft tissue cut, and confidence level with the retainer in place. No harm was observed to any patients during the study.
Conclusions
Vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs) were more acceptable than Hawley retainers (HRs) regarding the retainer’s aesthetic, shape, and color. There were no significant differences between HRs and VFRs regarding patient perception of discomfort and confidence when using the retainer.