Introduction: bonded fixed retainers are often used to stabilize the results obtained with the orthodontic treatment. It is important that they do not prejudice dental health, as they will be used for a long period. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare periodontal indexes between two types of bonded fixed retainers, conventional 3 x 3 plain retainer (0.8-mm orthodontic wire, bonded to the canines only) and a manufactured braided retainer (0.2 x 0.7-mm stainless steel wire, bonded to all anterior teeth) after use. Methods: a test group of 15 volunteers (aged from 18 to 25 years) used both the conventional retainer and braided retainer for six months. A randomized longitudinal study design, with a two week washout interval, was applied. The dental plaque index, gingival index and dental calculus index were evaluated. Furthermore, the calculus accumulated along the retainer wire was measured and all patients answered a questionnaire about the use, acceptance and comfort of both types of retainers. Results: the scores for plaque and gingival indexes were higher for the braided retainer (p< 0.05) on the lingual and proximal surfaces. The same occurred with the calculus index on the lingual surfaces (p< 0.05). The calculus index along wire was higher for the braided retainer (p< 0.05). All patients preferred the conventional retainer, and said that it was also more comfortable to use. Conclusion: it was concluded that the conventional retainer showed better periodontal indexes than the braided type.

A overdenture e as próteses totais fixas sobre implante são importantes formas de reabilitação para pacientes edêntulos. A escolha para o melhor tratamento está de acordo com a indicação e o correto planejamento. O objetivo deste trabalho é comparar esses dois tipos de reabilitação em mandíbula edêntula. O comparativo entre overdenture e prótese total fixa sobre implantes quanto a satisfação geral do paciente sugere que ambas superam as expectativas de reabilitação, levando em conta o aspecto financeiro, estabilidade e higiene. Sendo este último fator mais vantajoso no quesito de facilidade para overdenture.Descritores: Prótese Dentária; Implantes Dentários; Revestimento de Dentadura.ReferênciasChao YL, Meijer HJ, Van Oort RP, Versteegh PA. The incomprehensible success of the implant stabilised overdenture in the  edentulous mandible: a literature review on transfer of chewing forces to bone surrounding implants. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 1995;3(6):255-61.DeBoer J. Edentulous implants: overdenture versus fixed. J Prosthet Dent. 1993;69(4):386-90.Saavedra G, Barbosa SH, Kimpara ET. Influência do angulo de inserção na degradação da retenção do o’ring em overdentures. Implant News. 2007;4(3):249-53.Gallina C, Viegas VN. Overdentures e próteses fixas para reabilitação com implantes em maxila edêntula. Rev Odontol Univ Cid São Paulo 2007;19(1):61-7.Telles D. Próteses fixas sobre implantes. Quintessence: São Paulo; 2014.Assunção WG, Zardo GG, Delben JA, Barão VA. Comparing the efficacy of mandibular implant-retained overdentures and conventional dentures among elderly edentulous patients: satisfaction and quality of life. Gerodontology. 2007; 24(4):235-38.Almeida HCR, Santana ETS, Santos NAT, Moraes PKM, Araújo YRF, Gerbi MEM. Clinical aspects in the treatment planning for rehabilitation with overdenture and protocol-type prosthesis. RGO Rev Gaúch Odontol. 2015;63(3):271-76.Fitzpatrick B. Standard of care for the edentulous mandible: a systematic review. J Prosthet Dent. 2006;95(1):71-8.Agliardi E, Panigatti S, Clericò M, Villa C, Malò P. Immediate rehabilitation of the edentulous jaws with full fixed prostheses supported by four implants: interim results of a single cohort prospective study. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2010;21(5):459-65.Heydecke G, Boudrias P, Awad MA, De Albuquerque RF, Lund JP, Feine JS. Withinsubject comparisons of maxillary fixed and removable implant prostheses: Patient satisfaction and choice of prosthesis. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2003;14(1):125-30.Melescanu Imre M, Marin M, Preoteasa E, Tancu AM, Preoteasa CT. Two implant overdenture - the first alternative treatment for patients with complete edentulous mandible. J Med Life. 2011;4(2):207-9.Poluha RL, De Moraes Melo Neto CL, Milhomens de Sousa B, Moura FL, Sábio S. Overdenture na reabilitação de paciente desdentado. Herediana. 2016;26(3):151-161.Borges Tde F, Mendes FA, de Oliveira TR, do Prado CJ, das Neves FD. Overdenture with immediate load: mastication and nutrition. Br J Nutr. 2011;105(7):990-94.Zarb GA, Schimitt A. The edentulous predicament. I: A prospective study os the effectiveness of implant-supported fixed prostheses. J Am Dent Assoc. 1996;127(1):59-65.de Souza FI, de Souza Costa A, Dos Santos Pereira R, Dos Santos PH, de Brito RB Jr, Rocha EP. Assessment of Satisfaction Level of Edentulous Patients Rehabilitated with Implant-Supported Prostheses. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2016;31(4):884-90.Hemmings KW, Schmitt A, Zarb GA. Complications and maintenance requirements for fixed prostheses and overdentures in the edentulous mandible: a 5-year report. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 1994;9(2):191-96.