Periodontal and Orthodontic Outcomes of Straight vs. Looped Fixed Retainers

The goal of this split-mouth, head-to-head, randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of a fixed straight retainer with the V- loop bonded retainer on periodontal health in patients with the requirement of continuous fixed retention for 12-24 months after orthodontic treatment.The main question it aims to answer is whether the V- loop bonded retainer is more effective than fixed straight retainer for periodontal health management.Each patient will receive 2 lower fixed and bonded retainers: (1) a straight wire retainer (SWR) and (2) a looped wire retainer (LWR). Patients will be asked to floss once daily with a thread flosser.Researchers will compare the effects of two types of retainers to see if there is a statistically significant difference.

Inclusion Criteria:Patients in need of continuous fixed retention for 12-24 months after orthodontic treatmentGood periodontal health (i.e., no clinical attachment loss and < 10% bleeding on probing)Exclusion Criteria:History of oral prophylaxis in the past 6 monthsHistory of any systemic illness such as diabetesPreexisting or post-orthodontic periodontal diseaseCurrent intake of antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory medicationsSmokingPregnancy