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Changes in tooth contacts following orthodontic treatment
Summary
Post-orthodontic treatment, occlusal contacts increased by 14%, primarily in posterior teeth. This suggests natural improvement in bite stability during the retention phase for orthodontic patients.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Dental Occlusion
Background:
- Orthodontic treatment aims to correct malocclusion and establish stable occlusal relationships.
- Post-treatment occlusal stability is crucial for long-term treatment success and requires monitoring during the retention phase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate initial post-treatment occlusal changes in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
- To assess the development of occlusal contacts during the early retention phase.
Main Methods:
- Examined occlusal contacts in maximum intercuspation in 38 patients.
- Recorded contacts at the end of active orthodontic treatment and 3 months into retention.
- Utilized polyether rubber impression bites and transferred contact locations to study models.
Main Results:
- A 14% increase in the total number of occlusal contacts was observed over the 3-month retention period.
- The increase in contacts was exclusively due to gains in posterior teeth (premolars and molars).
- Patients with fewer initial contacts showed greater increases during retention, with minimal differences between retainer types.
Conclusions:
- Occlusal contacts naturally increase during the initial retention phase following orthodontic treatment.
- Posterior teeth play a key role in the development of new occlusal contacts.
- Both conventional retainers and gnathological rubber tooth positioners facilitate occlusal stability, with positioners showing a slightly greater, though minimal, gain.