PATIENT COMPLIANCE TO REMOVABLE RETAINERS POST FIXED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate patient compliance with removable retainers during the post-retention phase of fixed
orthodontic treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana, focusing on understanding compliance levels and influencing
factors to improve long-term orthodontic outcomes.
AIM: This study aimed to evaluate patient compliance with removable retainers during the post-retention phase of fixed orthodontic
treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana and to identify key factors influencing adherence.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at KATH, analyzing patients who completed fixed orthodontic
treatment within the past five years. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, and variables analyzed included compliance levels, influencing factors, and barriers to adherence using SPSS 26.0 software.
RESULTS: Among 58 respondents, 44.8% reported wearing their retainers sometimes, 25.9% wore them always, 13.8% wore them often, 12.1% wore them rarely, and 3.4% never wore them. Key barriers to compliance included forgetfulness (34.5%) and discomfort (24.1%). Other factors, such as esthetic concerns (13.8%) and difficulties with oral hygiene (10.3%), also impacted adherence. Compliance did not significantly differ among retainer types (p = 0.172).
CONCLUSION: Patient compliance with removable retainers is suboptimal, with forgetfulness and discomfort being primary barriers.
Strategies such as enhanced patient education, customized retention plans, and technological aids should be explored to improve
adherence and ensure long-term orthodontic stability.