Orthodontic Retention & Relapse Explained

Retention is the final frontier of orthodontics. Moving teeth is predictable—but keeping them stable for life is the real challenge.

In this full-length masterclass, based on Chapter 27 “Stability, Retention, and Relapse” (Elsevier), we dive deep into the science, evidence, and clinical strategies behind orthodontic retention.

📚 What you’ll learn in this lecture:

The history of retention schools: Occlusion, Apical Base, Mandibular Incisors, Musculature
The 9 Retention Theorems every orthodontist must know
Why relapse happens: fibers, growth, musculature, arch form
Case studies & long-term evidence (Riedel, Little, Arnold, Shapiro)
The truth about intercanine width relapse & third molars
Hawley vs Essix vs Fixed Retainers – which to use, when, and why
Retention protocols: limited, moderate, permanent
Growth, gender differences, and how they influence stability
The role of aging and long-term crowding
Practical retention strategies you can apply tomorrow

👨‍⚕️ Perfect for orthodontists, postgraduate residents, and dental students preparing for board exams or clinical practice.

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