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A brief history of orthodontic retention

Abstract

The retention phase has become an accepted part of orthodontic therapy. Irrespective of the patient's age, underlying malocclusion or the type of mechanotherapy, an orthodontist will use some retention method in virtually every patient following completion of the active treatment. This article presents a short description of the history of orthodontic retention and highlights major developments in retention strategy.

Key points

  • The history of orthodontic retention dates back to the nineteenth century.

  • Initially, orthodontists used primarily removable retainers.

  • The introduction of fixed wire retainers was a major change in orthodontic retention.

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Correspondence to Piotr S. Fudalej.

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Fudalej, P., Renkema, AM. A brief history of orthodontic retention. Br Dent J 230, 777–780 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2955-6

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