Stabilizing Segmental Le Fort I Osteotomy Using Clear Thermoplastic Retainers Versus Arch Bars With Occlusal Splints: A Retrospective Analysis

In patients receiving segmental Le Fort I osteotomy as part of a clear aligner treatment regimen, this study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of clear thermoplastic retainers as a postoperative stabilization technique and conventional labial arch bars paired with an occlusal splint. This retrospective study included 50 patients, with 25 each assigned to the clear thermoplastic retainer and conventional fixation groups. Cone-beam computed tomography conducted preoperatively (T0, 2 weeks before surgery) and postoperatively at 2 weeks (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) was used to evaluate skeletal and dental arch stability. Angular parameters (SNA, NP-FHP, U1-FHP, and U1-NP) and 3D displacements of key maxillary points (A, PL, and PR) were used to assess skeletal stability. Maxillary arch depth (MAD), inter-canine width (ICW), and intermolar width (IMW) were used to measure the dental arch shape. Overall skeletal or dental arch stability did not differ significantly between the 2 groups during the T2 to T1 and T3 to T1 follow-up periods (P>0.05). Therefore, after segmental Le Fort I osteotomy, clear thermoplastic retainers provide postoperative skeletal and dental arch stability equivalent to conventional arch bars paired with occlusal splints.