Orthodontics
Retention phase
Once the active phase of orthodontic treatment is complete, a maintenance phase, known as the retention phase, must follow. This is important to maintain the results of the treatment in the long term.
After teeth have been moved, groups of teeth, or dental arches, tend to partially shift back into their old positions. Teeth can "migrate" or change position throughout life. The more severe the deformity was at the start of treatment, more likely it is to reoccur. Active treatment is therefore always followed by a retention phase.
There are two options for retention: