RETENTION AND RELAPSE- THE BANE OF ORTHODONTICS

Abstract

Preserving the treatment corrections is the most difficult task for an orthodontist. The long term outcome of treatment depends on retention phase as there are many contributing factors which drag teeth to their original position after completion of active orthodontic treatment. So retention phase is critical time period following orthodontic treatment and use of suitable retention protocol is necessary to prevent relapse. Relapse is unpredictable, therefore it should be presumed that every patient has potential risk of relapse and need appropriate retention. This article gives overview of retention, causes of relapse and clinical guide for retention protocol.