Evaluation of The Stability of Orthodontic Treatment After First Premolar Extraction Using Combined Retention Protocol

Retention is necessary to be done after orthodontic treatment. It aids to prevent the tendency for relapse of teeth toward their pretreatment position. Fixed or removable retention appliances can reduce the risk of relapse, but to date there is still limited evidence on treatment protocols, wearing time and duration. However, long-term retention with bonded lingual retainers is commonly recommended and often considered the gold standard (method of first choice) in orthodontic retention. Regardless of the expected benefits concerning tooth stabilization, aesthetic appearance and independency from the patient's compliance, there have been increasing numbers of reports on undesirable changes in tooth position in the presence of retainers. Since "active" lingual retainers are able to exert forces to teeth, they have been suspected of causing torque changes of adjacent incisors ("X-effect"). Therefore, several authors recommend to insert removable and fixed in both arches for maximum relapse prevention.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients at the end of comprehensive orthodontic treatment after extraction of upper and lower first premolars and requiring subsequent application of a lingual and palatal bonded retainers
• Good oral hygiene
• Patients whom the pre-treatment records (models) are available
• Good finishing criteria (ABO grading system)

Exclusion criteria

• Non-extraction orthodontic treatment
• Poor oral hygiene
• Dental/congenital anomalies ex: Missing laterals, transposed canines, Cleft lip and palate/craniofacial syndromes
• Poor finishing criteria (ABO grading system)