Post-orthodontic retention: how much do people deciding on a future orthodontic treatment know and what do they expect? A questionnaire-based survey

Summary Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the level of knowledge and expectations people deciding on a future orthodontic treatment have about post-orthodontic retention and to investigate the influence of sociocultural characteristics. Material and methods A total of 227 consecutive people involved as legal decision maker (as patient, parent, or legal guardian) for a prospective orthodontic treatment (mean age 37.1 years; 37.3 per cent male) received before their first appointment a questionnaire to assess their knowledge and expectations about post-orthodontic retention. Data were analysed descriptively, whereas predictors were identified with logistic regressions at P value of less than or equal to 0.05. Results Among the 220 responders, 46.3 per cent (n = 99) knew that retention appliances are used after orthodontic treatment and 52.8 per cent (n = 113) believed perfect results can guarantee stability, whereas at the same time, 77.8 per cent (n = 168) knew that teeth can move on their own without any orthodontic appliances. The majority considered stability of the orthodontic result important or extremely important (94.5 per cent; n = 206), preferred bonded over removable retainers (67.2 per cent; n = 133), believed the orthodontist to be primarily responsible for a stable result (73.2 per cent; n = 158), and found it appropriate to charge for recall visits (72.9 per cent; n = 153). Participants’ gender, age, education, nationality, and past orthodontic experiences within the close family significantly influenced answers. Limitations The setting of a single-centred survey conducted in one university moderates the generalizability of the portrayed results. Conclusions Although stability of orthodontic treatment results is very important to people deciding about a prospective orthodontic treatment, knowledge regarding the need for post-orthodontic retention varies and may at times be contradictious. Sociocultural factors seem to influence the level of knowledge and the expectations on post-orthodontic retention.