Patients’ attitudes towards compliance with retainer wear

Objectives: The objectives of this survey were to determine patients’ attitudes towards retainers and their compliance in wearing retainers.

Methods: Three hundred dental school patients were selected at random and survey questionnaires were distributed. Twelve private orthodontists were willing to participate in the survey and each was given 20 questionnaires for distribution to their patients. The questionnaire was designed to gather information regarding compliance in wearing removable retainers, perception of the comfort level of retainers and acceptance of the appearance of removable and fixed retainers.

Results: The results revealed that compliance in wearing an upper retainer was related to its comfort level and acceptance. Discomfort was the main reason given by dental school patients and forgetfulness was the major reason given by private patients for not wearing retainers. Higher proportions of patients found fixed retainers more comfortable to wear and were more willing to accept the appearance of fixed retainers. A higher proportion of private patients accepted the appearance of retainers compared with dental school patients, while a higher proportion of dental school patients found retainers less comfortable to wear than private patients.

Conclusions: There was a strong relationship between compliance and comfort level in wearing upper removable retainers. Patients found fixed retainers more acceptable than removable types because of appearance and comfort.