Orthodontic Relapse Essay

Retention and Relapse in Orthodontics

Post-treatment changes in tooth position are a fact of life for orthodontists. Patients, however, often have different expectations and their satisfaction with their orthodontic treatment often hinges on the prolonged retention of that treatment. (Put stats on lifelong retention of ortho work here) Patients invest a considerable amount of time and money into their orthodontic treatment and expect the results to be stable for years. As a result, retention and relapse are currently being heavily researched. Orthodontic relapse is any change from the final tooth position at the conclusion of the active phase of treatment – often, but not always, a return to the pre-treatment conditions of the teeth. (cite Retention here?) The precise cause of orthodontic relapse is not completely understood and little evidence from randomized clinical trials has been gathered. Most likely the results are from a combination of several etiologies including periodontal and gingival factors, occlusal factors, soft tissue pressures, and growth-related changes. Orthodontic corrections have to persist in a dynamic environment of continuing skeletal changes,
(cite Retention here?) The precise cause of orthodontic relapse is not completely understood and little evidence from randomized clinical trials has been gathered. Most likely the results are from a combination of several etiologies including periodontal and gingival factors, occlusal factors, soft tissue pressures, and growth-related changes. Orthodontic corrections have to persist in a dynamic environment of continuing skeletal changes, functional demands, and compensatory adaptations of the dentition, and it is the biomechanical influences of this dynamic environment that can result in