Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Mandibular Labial Gingival Recession in Patients With Lingual Orthodontic Retainers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and contributing factors of mandibular labial gingival recession in patients with fixed lingual orthodontic retainers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 83 post-orthodontic patients with fixed lingual retainers. Labial gingival recession was assessed on the lower incisors and classified using Cairo's Recession Type system. Clinical parameters were collected, including bleeding on probing, biofilm, brushing habits and oral hygiene behaviours. Logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with recession. RESULTS: Labial gingival recession was observed in 27 of 83 patients (32.53%). The mean recession was 0.66 mm. Significant associations were found between gingival recession, age (p = 0.008) and nail/pen/pencil biting habits (p = 0.021). Brushing technique and frequency also showed a significant association. CONCLUSIONS: Labial gingival recession was present in one-third of patients with fixed lingual retainers. Age and mechanical habits, such as nail-biting, were significant predictors. Preventive strategies should target behaviour modification and enhanced oral hygiene education.