The need for retention-An important consideration

Retention is a culmination of all our orthodontic knowledge. This is when we have planned, treated, and now have to maintain what has been attained. Moreover, we have to understand how we reached our goal and also be respectful of those factors wanting to disrupt a successful correction of a malocclusion. If we planned correctly and our treatment plan was executed well then retention is merely a passive process of observation and minimal adjustments. On the contrary, if the treatment did not go according to our treatment plan albeit because of the nature of the difficult malocclusion, patient compliance problems or aberrant growth interferences, it is imperative to have an excellent retention protocol in place to actively pursue our ultimate goal of a healthy and functional occlusion. This article will enlighten the reader to important factors as to why planning retention is a responsibility from the beginning of orthodontic treatment.