Direct-Bonded Lingual Button Retainer

The following is a quick and convenient method for construction and placement of a direct-bonded lingual retainer.^1-5

1. Bond buttons to the lingual canine surfaces, taking care to avoid occlusal interferences. I recommend using a light-cured adhesive.

2. Select a retainer wire of the desired size and material, and bend it to follow the archform.⁶ Bend loops into the ends of the wire for hooking to the lingual buttons. With the wire in place, check for passive adaptation to the lingual surfaces (Fig. 1A).

3. Remove the retainer wire. Etch the tooth surfaces to be bonded, and keep them dry throughout the bonding procedure. Reattach the retainer wire to the lingual buttons, and apply light-cured resin to the points where it contacts the teeth. After light-curing, contour and polish the resin (Fig. 1B).

In case of wire fracture, the retainer can easily be replaced after unhooking it from the lingual buttons. I have found this technique to be easier and more efficient than other methods of bonding lingual retainers. Patients have worn the appliances without problems for as long as two years.