Comparative 3-dimensional Superimposition Analysis of Dentition in Horizontal and Vertical Grower During the Retention Phase -A Prospective Clinical Trial''

Orthodontic treatment is involved with the correction of irregular dental positions and skeletal structures. It is a specialized dental discipline that involves the application of biomechanical principles to correct dentofacial anomalies, thereby enhancing the morphological and functional harmony of the stomatognathic system. However, achieving stable results at the end of active treatment remains a significant challenge, as teeth and their supporting structures tend to revert to their original malocclusion following orthodontic and orthopedic changes. Such changes are attributed to either the tissue's " physiologic rebound " or normal development. The growth changes that take place after treatment can result in relapse of the occlusion and of the tooth alignment. Late growth changes in the jaws have been implicated as a factor contributing to post-treatment relapse, with some suggesting that disharmonious growth after treatment may compromise occlusal stability.

The cause of postorthodontic dental changes remains uncertain, although it appears to involve a combination of dental relapse and continued growth. Despite this uncertainty, research has shown that several variables studied remained stable after treatment. However, for those variables that did exhibit change, the majority seemed to be related primarily to growth alone or to a combination of growth and dental relapse. Furthermore, alterations attributed to growth consisted of variables that were directly or indirectly affected by continued craniofacial maturation, highlighting the significant role that growth plays in postorthodontic dental changes.

Natural growth and development continue throughout life, influencing the position and alignment of teeth. Understanding the interplay between orthodontic treatment, relapse, and natural growth is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and retention protocols.

Individuals can be broadly classified into two categories based on their growth patterns: horizontal growers and vertical growers.

Horizontal growers exhibit a more pronounced increase in mandibular length, whereas vertical growers display a greater increase in mandibular height. These distinct growth patterns can significantly influence orthodontic treatment outcomes and relapse tendencies.