title: Retention--retainers may be forever.
abstract: The very word "retain" means "to hold back or hold secure." From the earliest days of orthodontic tooth movement, many schemes have been proposed to ensure posttreatment stability. The very best research indicates that no solution has been found. A posttreatment routine is recommended. It is suggested that each patient be advised to follow this and further warned that the dental profession does not have any reliable method to predict future dental stability with or without orthodontic treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis.
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic