Multistranded wire bonded retainers: From start to success

• Fixed or bonded retainers are routinely placed at the end of orthodontic treatment.
• Five-stranded 0.0215-in-diameter wire is recommended for lingual or labial retention.

Fixed or bonded retainers are routinely placed at the end of orthodontic treatment. Wires of various types and sizes are available, and they can be bonded labially or lingually. This article presents the background for and evolution of multistranded fixed retainers and gives clinical recommendations for their use. Based on my over 20 years' experience, I recommend a 5-stranded 0.0215-in-diameter wire.