RETENTION AND

RELAPSE
RELAPSE
Definition : It has been defined as
the loss of any correction achieved
by orthodontic treatment.
Causes of Relapse:
1. Periodontal ligament traction:
Teeth moved orthodontically

streching of periodontal principal fibres and the

gingival fibres encircling the teeth

Fibres contract

RELAPSE
2.Due to growth related changes

Patient with skeletal problems

associated with class II and class III

continued abnormal growth pattern

after orthodontic therapy

RELAPSE
3.Bone adaptation:
Teeth moved recently are surrounded
by lightly calcified osteoid bone.

No adequate stabilization of
teeth.

RELAPSE
4.MUSCULAR FORCES:
Teeth are encapsulated in all
directions by muscles.

If muscular imbalance at the end of

orthodontic therapy.

RELAPSE
5. Persistent etiology:

Cause of malocclusion not

eliminated.

RELAPSE
7.Role of third molars:
If third molar erupt after the
orthodontic treatment .

Exert pressure on the teeth.

Late anterior crowding .

RELAPSE
Retention is necessary for three
major reasons:
Gingival and periodontal tissues require
time to reorganize once the appliance is
removed.
Teeth may be in an inherently unstable
position,so soft tissue pressure constantly
produce relapes tendency.
Continued jaw growth.

(proffit)
 Teeth relapse to their pretreatment
equilibrium position
Full time retention for 3 to 4 months
after comprehensive orthodontic
treatment, to promote reorganization
of pdl teeth should be free to flex
individually during mastication this is
enabled by
Removable appliance
Not too rigid fixed appliance
 TIMINGS OF RETENTION:
FULL TIME WEAR FOR 3 TO 4
MONTHS.
CONTINUED ON PART TIME BASIS
FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
IF SIGNIFICANT GROWTH REMAINS,
PART TIME WEAR UNTILL GROWTH
REMAINS.
 TYPES OF RETAINERS
REMOVABLE
FIXED (BONDED)

ACTIVE
PASSIVE
TYPES OF REMOVABLE RETAINER:

Hawley
retainer( canine to
canine)
Long bow hawley
Wrap around
retainer(second
molar- second molar)
Wrap around clip
retainer(canine-
canine)
 Clear ( vaccum-
formed)
retainers,essix
retainers
Positioners as
retainers
Functional
appliance as
retainers
 Indications of fixed retention:

1. Maintainance of lower incisor

position during late mandibular
growth.
2. Diastema maintanance
3. Maintainance of pontics or implant
space
4. Keeping extraction spaces closed in
adults
TYPES OF FIXED RETENTION
Canine to canine
retainer bar
Bonded wire , coaxial
Bonded lingual
retainer for diastema
maintainance
Bonded wire design to
allow flossing
A- splint type fixed
retention for pontic
space.
Advantages of Fixed
Retainer:
Reduced need for patient corporation
Can be used when conventional
retainers cannot provide same degree
of stability.
Bonded retainers are more esthetic
No tissue irritation unlike what may
been seen in tissue bearing areas of
Hawleys retainer
Can be used for permanent and semi
permanent retention.
Do not effect speech.
Disadvantages of Fixed Retainers

More cumbersome to insert

Increased chair side time
More expensive
Banded variety may interfere with
oral hygiene maintainence
More prone to breakages
Loss of healthy tooth material
Tend to discolor
 Active retainer:
removable appliance
that bring about tooth
movement, and then
retains it. Passive retainer:
E.g, realignment of exerts no force on
irregular incisors by teeth, retains them
spring retainers. as they are.
Functional appliance
as active retainer in
patients with growth
left
THANKYOU!