The reassertion of latent growth patterns following orthodontic treatment

This study reports on evaluation of the occlusion in 16 young adults who had been treated orthodontically an average of 10 years previously. Cases were from among dental students who, we assume, have high dental "IQs" and greater than average concern for stability of their orthodontic correction. Relapse of the orthodontic correction was substantial; both dental and skeletal dimensions relapsed--returned toward pretreatment conditions--to statistically and clinically obvious extents. Relapse is greater here than some other studies because of our longer recall period. Results focus attention on the importance of prolonged posttreatment retention and greater awareness on the patient's part of the role of posttreatment facial growth on relapse from adolescence into adulthood.