Retention and Relapse in Orthodontics

"It’s not over until it’s over" the saying applies to the Orthodontic treatment, although the patient may feel that the treatment is complete when the orthodontic appliances are removed, a very important stage lies ahead, the stage of Retention. The problem of “Retention and Relapse” was born with the science of Orthodontia and continues to persistently plague Orthodontic researchers and clinicians. Retention and Relapse are considered to be one of the most important aspects of Orthodontic treatment as far as treatment results and stability are considered from the patient's and from the operator’s point of view. It has been considered as the stepchild of Orthodontic treatment. Even today debate still continues regarding post-treatment stability and the role-played by the retainers in providing this stability. This book gives an insight into the importance of retention and protocol for retention after the Orthodontic treatment.