Nonextraction orthodontic therapy: posttreatment dental and skeletal stability

To assess the long-term stability of nonextraction orthodontic treatment, the dental cast and cephalometric records of 28 cases were evaluated. Thirty cephalometric and seven cast parameters were examined before treatment, posttreatment, and an average of almost 8 years postretention. Results showed overall long-term stability to be relatively good. Relapse patterns seen were similar in nature, but intermediate in extent, between untreated normals and four first premolar extraction cases. Significant decreases were seen in arch length and intercanine width during the postretention period despite minimal changes during treatment. Incisor irregularly increased slightly postretention; intermolar width, overjet, and overbite displayed considerable long-term stability. Mandibular incisor mesiodistal and faciolingual dimensions were not associated with either pretreatment or posttreatment incisor crowding. Class II malocclusions with large ANB values and shorter mandibular lengths showed increased incisor irregularity, shorter arch lengths, and deeper overbites at the postretention stage, suggesting that the amount and direction of facial growth may have been partially responsible for maturational changes seen during the postretention period.