Unexpected Complications of Fixed Retainers

Bonded retainers seem to be an ideal solution for a long-term retention and the advantage lies in keeping an aesthetic and stable result without the need of cooperation from the side of the patient - the patient's responsibility. However, there can be some disadvantages: check-ups are necessary, there may occur fractures and loss of bond, higher calculus accumulation and recession is common, and last but not least - it can cause unexpected complications of fixed retainers (UCFR). The author describes several types of UCFR - Twist effect and X effect - and how they were studied on 3,500 patients. The prevalence of UCFR occurred in 1.1% and potential causes are showed here. But UCFR is of multifactorial origin where more aspects become important: type of wire, local anatomic condition and occusal forces.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize unexpected complications of fixed retainers.
• Define types of the complication.
• Evaluate which kind of wire is the best one for retention.