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Long-term stability after orthodontic treatment: nonextraction with prolonged retention
C Sadowsky1, B J Schneider, E A BeGole
1Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Summary
Long-term orthodontic stability was evaluated in 22 nonextraction cases. While relapse occurred in most areas, prolonged mandibular retention contributed to good long-term alignment of the anterior segment.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Research
Background:
- Assessing long-term stability of orthodontic treatments is crucial for understanding treatment outcomes.
- Many orthodontic cases undergo relapse without adequate retention.
- Fixed edgewise appliances are commonly used in orthodontic treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term stability of orthodontic treatments using fixed edgewise appliances without retainers for at least 5 years.
- To analyze relapse patterns and contributing factors in previously treated orthodontic cases.
Main Methods:
- Study included 22 previously treated orthodontic cases managed with nonextraction and fixed edgewise appliances.
- Data collected from study models and cephalometric radiographs.
- Average retention time with a mandibular fixed lingual retainer was 8.4 years.
Main Results:
- Pretreatment irregularity index was 8.0 mm (maxillary) and 5.2 mm (mandibular), improving to 0.9 mm and 1.0 mm post-treatment.
- Postretention irregularity index increased to 2.0 mm (maxillary) and 2.4 mm (mandibular).
- Relapse observed in most variables, except for expanded maxillary canines and premolars; mandibular anterior segment showed good long-term alignment.
Conclusions:
- Orthodontic treatment with fixed edgewise appliances without retainers for 5 years shows significant relapse.
- Transverse expansion of both arches was achieved, with maxillary canines and premolars maintaining stability.
- Prolonged retention, particularly in the mandibular arch, may contribute to sustained anterior segment alignment.