The effectiveness of a bespoke mobile application in improving adherence with removable orthodontic retention over 12 months: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

The primary aim was to analyze the effect of providing a mobile application (My Retainers) on adherence with removable retention. Eighty-four participants planned for thermoplastic retainers were randomly allocated to 2 groups. The intervention group was given access to a bespoke mobile application, while the control group was not given access. Baseline data were obtained at the removal of orthodontic appliances with follow-up at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. The primary outcome was objectively assessed retainer wear recorded using a TheraMon microelectronic sensor (MC Technology GmbH, Hargelsberg, Austria). Secondary outcomes were stability and periodontal implications. The objectively assessed wear time at 12 months was low in both groups, being marginally higher in the intervention (median, 3.09 h/d; interquartile range, 8.1) than the control group (median, 1.44 h/d; interquartile range, 9.22) with no between-group statistical difference (P= 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.91 to 1.19). No statistically significant difference was identified between the groups in terms of stability and periodontal outcomes. Improvement in plaque scores (P<0.0001; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.15) and bleeding on probing (P<0.0001, 95% CI, -0.23 to-0.12) was noted over time with no periodontal attachment loss detected over the study period. Provision of the mobile application did not lead to improved adherence with thermoplastic retainer wear. Similarly, no benefit in respect of either occlusal stability or periodontal health was observed over the 12-month study period. Further novel approaches to improve adherence with retainer wear and oral hygiene measures are required. NCT03224481. Not published. This work was supported by funding from the European Orthodontic Society.