Retention and relapse

Dr Tehreem Iftikhar
Relapse
• It has been defined as
• The loss of any correction achieved by orthodontic treatment
Causes of Relapse
Pericision
Enamel Interproximal Stripping
Papilla Split Procedure
Retainers
• Passive orthodontic appliances
• That help in maintaining and stabilizing
• The position of a single tooth / teeth
• Long enough to permit reorganization of
• Supporting structures
• After active orthodontic therapy.
Ideal requirements
 Should restrain each tooth in its direction of relapse.
 Self -cleansable.
 Esthetically acceptable.
 Rigid enough.
Classification

 Types.
 Removable
 Fixed
Removable Retainers
Hawley retainers
 Consists of clasps on molars and a short labial bow extending from canine to
canine having adjustment loops.
 Most simplest form and frequently used.
Functions
 Provides a potential bite plane to control over bite.
 Provide some tooth movement.
 Close band spaces between incisors .
 Keep the extraction spaces closed.
Advantages
 Simple.
 Cheap.
 Easy to construct.
 Minimum patient discomfort due to reduce bulk.
Disadvantages
 Removable so patient compliance issue.
 Initially 2-3 days speech problem.
 Technique sensitive , so must be adjusted properly.
Modified Hawley retainers
 Extended to include 1st premolars.
 Modification varies from case to case.
 Bow can be soldered to clasp on 1st molars.
 Place C clasps on 2nd molars and allow the bow to run around the entire arch.
 If tooth severely rotated ,use this extended clasp .
BEGGS Retainer

Long labial bow, extended upto last erupted molars and curves around it to get
embedded in acrylic that spans the plate.
Vaccume formed retainers

 Clear path / In-smile / In-visible braces.

 Clear transparent thermoplastic sheet using a thermoforming machine.
Advantages

 Inexpensive.

 Quick fabrication.

 Esthetically pleasing.

 Less likely to break.

 Does not interfere with speech or function.

Bonded or fixed retainers
Fixed canine to canine retainer
Co-Axial wire
 Most commonly used.
 Braided type wire.
 Bonded to lingual surface with composite.
 Mainly used for midline diastema.
 Can be kept on incisors .
 May extend up to canine or premolars.
 Hygienic.

 Remain stable even if fixed with 1mm composite.

Advantages of fixed Retainers
 Not dependent on patient compliance for wear.
 Do not affect speech.
 Recall visits are reduced.
 For permanent and semi-permanent retention.
 Used when conventional retainer cannot provide same degree of stability.
Disadvantages of Fixed Retainers
 Difficult to maintain oral hygiene.
 Localized relapse.
 Decalcification following partial debond.
Thank You