Knowledge and Expectations of Orthodontic Retention Among Individuals Seeking Orthodontic Treatment in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study explores what Saudi patients know and expect about orthodontic retention before starting treatment, finding gaps in understanding and trust in information sources.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into patient knowledge and expectations of orthodontic retention in Saudi Arabia.

Findings

Only 31.1% of patients believed retainers were always required, despite 62.1% being aware of them.

Most patients expected retention to last 1–3 years and were split between bonded and removable retainers.

Orthodontists were the most trusted information source, while social media was least trusted.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Orthodontic retention is a critical phase of treatment aimed at maintaining teeth in corrected positions and preventing relapse, which may occur in up to 70% of cases. Successful retention depends on both orthodontists’ application of effective strategies and patient compliance in retainer use and maintenance. While previous studies have focused on orthodontists’ retention protocols, less is known about patients’ knowledge and expectations. This study assessed knowledge and expectations of orthodontic retention among individuals seeking orthodontic treatment in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the orthodontic clinics of King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients on the waiting list who had not yet begun treatment were invited to participate; guardians completed surveys for minors. Data were collected using a validated, culturally adapted questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of 243 patients contacted, 161 responded (66.3%). While 62.1% were aware of retention appliances, only 31.1% believed they were always required. Overall, 57.1% expected retention to last 1–3 years and were divided between bonded and removable retainers. Orthodontists were the most trusted information source, while social media was least trusted. Family history and higher education were associated with greater awareness and support for lifelong retention, though most associations were not significant after multiple-testing correction. Conclusions: Despite awareness of retention appliances, misconceptions persist. Family history, education, and age influenced perceptions, underscoring the need for tailored education and guidance toward reliable orthodontic information sources.

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