Assessment of Relapse in Pediatric Patients Underwent Orthodontic Treatment: An Original Research.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the relapse rate in pediatric patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment and identify the key factors contributing to orthodontic relapse.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 200 pediatric patients treated with fixed appliances between 2015 and 2019. Data collection included pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up dental records. Measurements of dental arch dimensions, alignment, and occlusion were taken. Relapse was defined as significant changes in these parameters from post-treatment to follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 3 years' post-treatment. Relapse rates were observed as follows: mandibular crowding (35%, P = 0.015), intermolar width (20%, P = 0.032), intercanine width (23%, P = 0.025), arch length (18%, P = 0.048), and maxillary crowding (30%, P = 0.021). Significant predictors of relapse included poor retainer compliance (odds ratio 3.5, P = 0.002), severity of initial malocclusion (odds ratio 2.8, P = 0.004), and growth changes (odds ratio 2.2, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Orthodontic relapse is prevalent in pediatric patients' post-treatment, particularly in mandibular crowding. Poor retainer compliance, severe initial malocclusion, and growth changes significantly contribute to relapse.