Blake M, Garvey MT
Rationale for retention following orthodontic treatment. J Can Dent Assoc. 1998 Oct;64(9):640-3.
Maintaining the treatment result following orthodontic treatment is one of the most difficult aspects of the entire treatment process. Normal maturational changes, together with post-treatment tooth alterations, conspire against long-term stability. This article discusses the need for retention and provides an overview of retainers which enjoy widespread use. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Permanent retention is increasingly being recommended as the only way to ensure long-term stability of an orthodontic treatment result. Dental practitioners should be familiar with the rationale for retention and the design of the appliances worn by the their patients.
Sauget E, Covell DA Jr, Boero RP, Lieber WS
Comparison of occlusal contacts with use of Hawley and clear overlay retainers. Angle Orthod. 1997;67(3):223-30.
Following orthodontic treatment, an increase in the number of occlusal contacts is usually desired during retention. In this study, Hawley and clear overlay orthodontic retainers were compared relative to changes in the number of occlusal contacts. Occlusal contacts were quantified in 30 orthodontic patients at debonding, at retainer delivery, and after 3 months of retention. The paired t-test was applied to evaluate longitudinal changes in the number of and intensity of contacts. Results show that with the Hawley retainer there was a significant increase in occlusal contacts on posterior teeth and no change on anterior teeth. With the clear overlay retainer there was no significant change in either posterior or anterior contacts during retention. The retentive capacities of the two retainers differ: the Hawley retainer allows relative vertical movement (settling) of the posterior teeth while the clear overlay retainer holds teeth in their debanding position.
Northway Orthodontics