Assessment of Periodontal Parameters and Oral Hygiene Maintenance Around Lingual Retainers: A Retrospective Institutional Study

Abstract

Background Fixed lingual retainers are routinely used following orthodontic treatment to maintain post treatment stability and prevent relapse. Although these retainers provide effective long term retention, they may act as plaque retentive areas and influence periodontal health by interfering with oral hygiene maintenance.

Aim To assess periodontal parameters and oral hygiene maintenance around lingual retainers among orthodontically treated patients in a university setting.

Materials and Methods The present retrospective institutional study analyzed 406 patient records retrieved between June 2019 and January 2026 from the institutional digital database. Orthodontically treated patients with bonded lingual retainers and complete periodontal records were included in the study. Data regarding age, gender, arch involved, Plaque Index PI, Gingival Index GI, Oral Hygiene Index Simplified OHI S, gingival inflammation, calculus accumulation, and gingival recession were collected and analyzed. Oral hygiene status was categorized as good, fair, or poor based on OHI S scores. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26.0 and associations were analyzed using the Chi square test with p less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results Female patients constituted 55.2% of the study population while male patients accounted for 44.8%. Fair oral hygiene status was the most common finding and was observed in 52.2% of patients followed by good oral hygiene in 31.5% and poor oral hygiene in 16.3%. Plaque accumulation was the most prevalent periodontal parameter affecting 60.6% of patients followed by gingival inflammation 48.8%, calculus accumulation 42.6%, and gingival recession 18.2%. Mandibular retainers were more commonly associated with periodontal changes than maxillary retainers. A statistically significant association was observed between oral hygiene status and periodontal parameters with p less than 0.05.

Conclusion Bonded lingual retainers were associated with increased plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation emphasizing the importance of regular periodontal maintenance and reinforcement of oral hygiene practices during orthodontic retention therapy.