Comparison of the Esthetic Perception and Economic Value of Different Removable Orthodontic Retainers for the Upper Arch

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the esthetic perception and economic value between two maxillary removable retainers, considering gender, age, and socioeconomic status.

Material and Methods: Photographs of the smiles of 2 volunteers using Hawley and Vivera® retainers were evaluated by 408 laypeople who answered a web-based survey with questions regarding participants' characteristics, retainers' esthetic perception, and economic value (willingness to pay). Descriptive statistics were performed, and the responses were analyzed using independent t-test, ANOVA, Tukey test, and chi-square.

Results: Vivera® was considered the most esthetic retainer for both smiles, without a statistically significant difference between raters’ genders. Raters over 46 years old judged with statistically significant greater values the Hawley and Vivera® of male smiles (p=0.01; p=0.02 respectively) and C2 socioeconomic status to the Hawley for the female smile (p=0.02). Considering the economic value, both genders and the different status demonstrated a similar willingness to pay more money for Vivera® as well as a similar amount of money they would be willing to pay. Statistically significant associations were observed between age ranges and economic values; more respondents aged between 18-30 years old reported being more willing to pay for Vivera® (p=0.03); however, when the value was asked, the participants aged more than 46 years old were more willing to pay greater prices for Vivera® (p=<0.01).

Conclusion: The Vivera® was considered more aesthetically pleasing, and most laypeople would pay more for this retainer. However, most were willing to pay an extra value smaller than the laboratory’s cost difference.