Comparing immediate and delayed delivery of orthodontic retainers

"Comparison of Retention Characteristics of Immediate vs Delayed Retainer Delivery Using 3 Dimensional Digital Model Analysis : A Prospective Clinical Trial "

NA · Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences Rohtak · NCT06292364

This study is testing whether giving orthodontic retainers right after treatment works better than waiting a week to see how it affects tooth movement in patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorPostgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences Rohtak (other)
Locations1 site (Rohtak, Haryana)
Trial IDNCT06292364 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the differences in tooth movement and retention characteristics between immediate and delayed delivery of orthodontic retainers in post-treatment patients. It will involve a randomized controlled design with two groups: one receiving retainers immediately after treatment and the other receiving them after a 7-day delay. The study will measure changes in tooth positioning across various planes over a six-month retention period, using a sample size of 40 patients. The trial will be conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences in Rohtak, India, following ethical approval.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include post-orthodontic treatment patients who have undergone tooth extractions and meet specific oral health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with incomplete orthodontic treatment, TMJ disorders, or systemic diseases affecting bone growth may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimal retainer delivery timing, potentially improving long-term orthodontic outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited high-quality evidence on this specific comparison, similar studies have explored retention strategies, indicating potential for meaningful insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects who required extraction.
2. Optimal functional occlusion at end of treatment (PAR score \>70%).
3. Littles irregularity index (Pre-treatment \<6mm in both upper and lower arch).
4. Nonsurgical and non-orthopedic patients.
5. Non syndromic patients and no impaction of teeth except third molars.
6. Optimal periodontal condition and Good oral hygiene (probing depth \<3mm, gingival index score \<1
7. Good compliance regarding retainer wear.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects with incomplete orthodontic treatment.
2. TMJ disorder patients.
3. Any systemic disease affecting bone and general growth.
4. Patients with incomplete records.
5. Patient who fail to follow up or undergo complete treatment.
6. Patient with learning difficulties
7. Patients having antibiotic therapy within previous 3 months and used anti inflammatory drugs in the month before the study

Where this trial is running

Rohtak, Haryana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Relapse, orthodontic retention

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.