Occlusal changes during a 10-year posttreatment period and the effect of fixed retention on anterior tooth alignment

Gradual occlusal changes of limited clinical importance were seen during a 10-year posttreatment period. Long-term fixed retention in the maxilla was of minor importance in patients also wearing removable retainers. In the mandible, a 10-year fixed retention protocol gave moderately lower alignment scores compared to a 3-year protocol and slightly better alignment compared to a 5-year protocol.