Posttreatment orthodontic care for retention and stability

Achieving an absolutely stable result after orthodontic treatment is not possible, but the appropriate use of retainers can minimize unwanted posttreatment changes. This article discusses the causes of unwanted posttreatment changes, evidence-based retention, fixed retainers, removable retainers, and dual retention and compares the indications, designs, and regimes for various types of retainers. It also discusses the importance of a shared decision-making process, involving the patient when planning retention, how retention is a long-term lifestyle choice, and how responsibility for the long-term success of retainers is shared between the orthodontist, patient, and dentist.