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Purpose. This study evaluated the effect of three different thicknesses of base metal resin-bonded retainers on retention/resistance. Material and methods. Three ivorine teeth, a central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine, were prepared to receive resin bonded retainers. Fifteen metal replicas of prepared teeth were made (five for each tooth morphotype). A total of 45 metal retainers were cast in three different thicknesses, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mm, with 15 for each thickness. Retainers were cemented to metal die replicas with Panavia EX luting agent. After 24 hours, forces to dislodge the retainers were applied at 45 degrees to the vertical mesiodistal plane at the proximolingual line angle. Results. An increase in thicknesses resulted in elevation of dislodging forces that were almost linear for the three thicknesses of canine retainers. The central incisor exhibited the greatest increase in resistance to dislodgment between retainers that were 0.3 and 0.5 mm thick, whereas increased thickness for the lateral incisor retainer resulted in minimal or no benefit. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:281-5.)