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The objective of this study was to survey retention procedures used in orthodontic practices in The Netherlands. A questionnaire was sent to all 279 orthodontists working in The Netherlands. The questionnaire consisted of six parts, mainly containing multiple-choice questions. Information as to background data on the individual orthodontist, retention in general, frequency of different types of removable or bonded retainers that were used, retention protocol, and the type and size of the wire used for bonded retainers was assessed. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 12.0.1. Tests for the relationship between two items were based on the chi-square test. The overall response rate was 91 per cent. Most orthodontists placed a bonded retainer in the upper and lower arch, except when the upper arch was expanded during treatment or when extractions were performed in the upper arch, in which case they placed a removable retainer. Opinions varied with regard to how many hours the removable retainers should be worn and the duration of the retention phase. Contraindications for bonded retainers were given by 96 per cent of the orthodontists, with poor oral hygiene being the most commonly mentioned. As far as bonded retainers were concerned, 84 per cent of the orthodontists preferred permanent retention. Fifty-nine per cent of the orthodontists believed that a practice guideline for retention after orthodontic treatment needs to be developed, which was confirmed by the varied responses in this survey.

Within the limits of the present research design, orthodontic treatment and/or the retention phase may be risk factors for the development of labial gingival recessions. In orthodontically treated subjects, mandibular incisors seem to be the most vulnerable to the development of gingival recessions.

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