Retention and Relapse Seminar
Retention and Relapse Seminar
– Rotated teeth
• Less chance of relapse if there has never been a rotation;
should create enough space initially for tooth to erupt into
• Transseptal fibrotomy is also recommended in severe cases
– Tongue posture
• It has been stated that even after successfully completing
tongue therapy/exercises correction is not guaranteed
– Gilmore and Little later proved that this ratio had little long-
term validity
– Strang stated:
“The width as measured across from one canine to
another in the mandibular denture is an accurate index to
the mandibular balance inherent to the individual and
dictates the limits of the denture expansion in this area of
treatment”
1. Removable Retention
2. Fixed Retention
3. Active Retention
Removable Retainers
Hawley Retainer:
– Developed in 1920s
3. Labial bow can run between lateral and canine and solder
clasp to control canines
– May not allow PDL reorganization as teeth are not able to move
individually; firmly holds arch
– Disadvantages as a retainer:
1. Bulky and difficult to wear full-time
3. Unlikely to break
4. Can be made with jaws rotated down and back to prevent Class III
relapse
– Developed in 1993
– Advantages:
• Esthetic
• Patient is more likely to wear
• Inexpensive
• Quick fabrication
• Minimal bulk
• High strength
• No adjustments
• Usually does not interfere with speech or function
– Studies have determined that Essix retainers are as efficient as Hawley-type or bonded
wire retainers
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Removable Retainers
– Esthetic
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Fixed Retainers
Utilized in cases where stability is questionable and
prolonged retention is planned
– Activator or Bionator:
• Upper and lower retainers joined by inter-occlusal bite blocks
• Maintain teeth within arch while slightly altering occlusal
relationship
• Example: If adolescent slips back 2-3 mm into Class II after early
correction, this appliance can be used to recover proper occlusion
• No value if used in adults (as no vertical growth remains)
• Moves teeth (no skeletal change)
• Can only be used if no more than 3mm correction is needed
• Goal: Hold maxillary posterior segment and allow for eruption of
mandibular posterior segment anteriorly (Class II)
– If original growth pattern continues, treatment that involved growth modification will
most likely result in loss of at least some correction
• Continue headgear at night along with retainer
• Use a “passive” functional appliance (activator/bionator) to hold position at
night and conventional retainers during day (continue for 12-24 months)
– Preferred because:
• Prevents eruption of upper an
lower molars
• Better patient acceptance
Dental changes: