Some crowding of the lower front teeth
may be part of the aging process similar to grey hair and wrinkled
skin. The only way to ensure continued satisfactory alignment is by
the use of retainers to some degree, perhaps for life. The amount of
wear will vary from patient to patient. Orthodontists know from experience
that you, the patient, actually decide when you think the retainer
is unimportant and stop wearing it or ask to have it removed. The references
below will give you more information that will allow you to make an
informed decision when you are contempalting stopping your retainer.
You must be willing to accept the fact and the risk that the degree
of tooth position stability in your mouth is unknown.
Postretention evaluation of stability and relapse-Mandibular
arches with generalized spacing by Drs. Robert Little and Richard
Riedel in the AJO 1989;95:37-41
An evaluation of changes in mandibular anterior alignment
from 10 to 20 years postretention by Dr. Robert Little, Richard
Riedel, and Jon Artun in the AJO 1988;93:423-8.
Facial and dental changes in adulthood by Drs.
Samir Bishara, Jean Treder, and Ms. Jane Jakobsen in the AJO 1994;106:175-86.
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