Retention procedures for stabilizing tooth position after treatment with orthodontic braces

Abstract

Background:Retention is the phase of orthodontic treatment that attempts to keep teeth in the corrected positions after treatment with orthodontic (dental) braces. Without a phase of retention there is a tendency for the teeth to return to their initial position (relapse). To prevent relapse almost every patient who has orthodontic treatment will require some type of retention. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of different retention strategies used to stabilize tooth position after orthodontic braces. Search strategy: The Cochrane Oral Health Group's (OHG) Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched. Handsearching of orthodontic journals was undertaken in keeping with the Cochrane OHG search programme. No language restrictions were applied. Authors of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and contacted to identify unpublished trials. Most recent search: May 2005. Selection criteria: RCTs on children and adults, who have had retainers fitted or adjunctive procedures undertaken, following orthodontic treatment with braces to prevent relapse. The outcomes were: how well the teeth were stabilized, survival of retainers, adverse effects on oral health and quality of life. Data collection and analysis: Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the methodological quality of the trials and data extraction were conducted in duplicate

Patient Compliance to Wear Orthodontic Retainers During Postretention may Vary by Age, Gender, and Time Since Braces Were Removed

“…Littlewood et al 3,4 provide some of the best contemporary evidence available on retention, having conducted a systematic review of the literature.…”

Twelve-year follow-up of mandibular incisor stability: Comparison between two bonded lingual orthodontic retainers

“…7,8 Although these retainers are widely used, only a limited number of studies can be found concerning their long-term effectiveness. In a Cochrane review, 9 there was only one randomized clinical trial 10 that assessed the mandibular incisor alignment after 3 years of retention.…”

Fixed Retainers Vs Removable Retainers – Which Is Better?

“…It's purely a waste of time if a perfectly done fixed orthodontic treatment is not stable after debonding. In orthodontics, retention can be defined as the phase of orthodontic treatment that attempts to keep teeth in their corrected position following orthodontic therapy, and is thus a very integral part of the treatment [1]. In cases, where proper retention was not gained during post treatment phase, relapse occurs.…”

“…It takes a minimum of 232 days for fibers around the teeth to remodel to the new position [3]. To minimize the incidence of relapse it is vital for the all patients who have orthodontic treatment to use some type of retainer [1].…”

“…There are various forms of fixed retainers. The most frequently used are the mandibular canine to canine (3-3) bonded retainer bar (0.030 or 0.032 inch) and the thin 0.0215 inch, flexible retainers and spiral wire retainers [1] [7] [8]. Adjunctive procedures such as interproximal stripping [9] and circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy [10] [11] can also be applied to the teeth or surrounding periodontium to aid the retention process.…”