Comparative Evaluation of Periodontal Health, Amount of Relapse and Incidence of Failure between Conventional and Customized 3D Printed Orthodontic Fixed Lingual Retainers: An In-Vivo Study

Abstract

Aim: Comparative evaluation of periodontal health, amount of relapse and incidence of failure between conventional and customized 3D printed orthodontic fixed lingual retainers.

Material and Methods: A total of 34 participants were selected and randomly divided into two groups ‘A’ and ‘B’. Participants of Group ‘A’ were bonded with Conventional Retainer and the participants of Group ‘B’ were bonded with the 3D Printed Retainer. Alginate impressions were made at T0 and T2 and Little’s Irregularity Index was measured using digital Vernier Calipers. The participants were recalled at two different time intervals; T1 at three months & T2 after six months of bonding of the retainer and were subjected to various indices like Plaque Index, Gingival Index and Bleeding on Probing. Out of the 17 participants from each group, three were randomly selected and plaque samples were collected which were subjected to microbial culturing to estimate the microbial count and quantification of P. gingivalis microorganisms. The failure rate was recorded in terms of wire breakage and bond failure as and when reported.

Results: The plaque Index and Gingival Index scores were found to be higher in group ‘A’ when compared to Group ‘B’ (p value <0.001). Bleeding on probing was observed more in the participants of Group ‘A’ than Group ‘B’ (p value <0.001). The Little’s Irregularity Index scores for both the groups showed that there was greater amount of relapse in the Group ‘A’ as compared to Group ‘B’ (p value = 0.001). Group ‘A’ exhibited higher failure rate than Group ‘B’. CFU value was higher in Group ‘A’ samples than the Group ‘B’ samples, but not statistically significant. Neither of the samples showed the presence of P. gingivalis microorganisms.

Conclusion: 3D Printed Retainer was superior to Conventional Retainer in terms of Oral Hygiene, Amount of Relapse and Incidence of Failure.