Relapse in Orthodontics: factors that interfere the long-term stability of treatment

Abstract

Despite the scientific advances in modern Orthodontics, long-term stability of orthodontic treatment is still a immense challenge for many dentists in their day-to-day clinical practice. This study consists of a literature review that gathers and synthesizes results obtained from other similar studies, allowing the observation of factors that interfere with orthodontic treatment stability. The articles were selected through a search for publications in the scientific literature conducted in the period August 2022 in the databases of the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) and Google Scholar. Initially, 170 articles were found, which were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the final sample consisted of 35 articles. The articles were divided according to the following themes: anterior open bite; posterior crossbite; Class II; Class III; tootth crowding; diastemas; aligner plates. The aim of this article is to gather scientific studies about relapse in Orthodontics and discuss dental conditions and factors that affect the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment. Meet the criteria of an ideal occlusion with good biomechanics is fundamental for treatment stability. Correct planning, good diagnosis, and attention to the phases of craniofacial growth and development are necessary to intervene at the right time.