Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Effectiveness of Gold Fixed Retainers Compared to Conventional Stainless Steel Retainers
Sponsor: Noor Sattar Raheem
Summary
This randomized clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of a gold-plated multistranded mandibular fixed retainer versus a conventional multistranded stainless-steel fixed retainer in maintaining lower anterior tooth alignment after completion of orthodontic treatment. Eligible participants (post-orthodontic patients requiring mandibular fixed retention) will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a gold-plated 0.0195-inch multistranded retainer or an identical-gauge 0.0195-inch stainless-steel multistranded retainer. Participants will be followed for 6 months. The primary outcome is post-treatment stability of mandibular anterior alignment, assessed by changes in Little's Irregularity Index over time, along with retainer failure outcomes (e.g., time to first failure and tooth-level failure events). Secondary outcomes include periodontal health indices and related clinical measures collected at baseline and follow-up visits. For the microbiological assessment, plaque/biofilm will be collected from the retainer using sterile swabs at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months to evaluate bacterial levels associated with each retainer material.
Official title: The Effectiveness of Gold Fixed Retainers Compared to Conventional Stainless Steel Retainers: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
15 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2025-11-01
Completion Date
2026-12
Last Updated
2025-12-12
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Gold-coated fixed retainer wire
Participants will receive a bonded mandibular fixed retainer extending canine-to-canine. The retainer will be fabricated using a gold-coated retainer wire and bonded to the lingual surfaces of the mandibular anterior teeth using standard orthodontic bonding procedures. After placement, participants will be followed at scheduled visits (baseline and follow-ups at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) to evaluate clinical stability and retainer performance. At each follow-up visit, the retainer will be clinically examined for integrity, and any failure/complication events will be recorded (e.g., debonding/loosening, fracture, or need for repair). Clinical outcome assessments will include mandibular anterior alignment/stability (Little's Irregularity Index), periodontal indices, and occlusal assessment, Microbiological sampling will consist of plaque/swab samples collected at each follow-up visit.
Stainless steel fixed retainer wire
Participants will receive a bonded mandibular fixed retainer extending canine-to-canine. The retainer will be fabricated using a conventional stainless steel retainer wire and bonded to the lingual surfaces of the mandibular anterior teeth using standard orthodontic bonding procedures. After placement, participants will be followed at scheduled visits (baseline and follow-ups at, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) to evaluate clinical stability and retainer performance. At each follow-up visit, the retainer will be clinically examined for integrity, and any failure/complication events will be recorded (e.g., debonding/loosening, fracture, or need for repair). Clinical outcome assessments will include mandibular anterior alignment/stability (Little's Irregularity Index), periodontal indices, and occlusal assessment. Microbiological sampling will consist of plaque/swab samples collected at each follow-up visit.
Locations (1)
College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad - Orthodontic Clinics
Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq