Postretention changes in mandibular crowding: a review of the literature

Posttreatment stability is one of the challenges facing orthodontists today. Relapse of the mandibular anterior segment during the postretention period is perhaps the most predictable and frustrating of all orthodontic relapses. This type of relapse is sometimes erroneously construed as a sign of inappropriate treatment or evidence of misdiagnosis or incorrect mechanics. This article reviews mandibular incisor postretention stability outcomes in the setting of different treatment techniques and different ages of beginning orthodontic treatment. Mandibular incisor relapse is almost inevitable, regardless of orthodontic techniques and timing of orthodontic treatment. However, mandibular incisor relapse might be reduced when palatal expansion is combined with prolonged retention.