title: Vacuum-formed retainers: an overview.
abstract: The need for long-term retention following orthodontic treatment is now considered essential to prevent post-orthodontic treatment relapse. The vacuum-formed retainer (VFR) has gained popularity in recent times. This paper describes briefly the characteristics of VFRs and summarizes the evidence in relation to their effectiveness. Clinical Relevance: VFRs are now widely used after orthodontic treatment and it is important that clinicians adopt an evidenced-based approach to their use.
authors.forename: Maurice J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Meade
authors.forename: Declan T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Millett
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design / Q000295:instrumentation; D018704:Orthodontic Retainers / Q000145:classification; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000737:chemistry; D014618:Vacuum
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011126:Polypropylenes