How to Diagnose Wire Syndrome ? A Classification Based on Retrospective Studies and Clinical Experience

The Wire Syndrome (WS) refers to aberrant, unexpected, unexplained, or excessive dental movements involving teeth held by an intact post-orthodontic retention wire. Its prevalence ranging from 1.1% to 43%. It is a chronic, progressive pathological process, generally asymptomatic, resulting in a new malocclusion that is not due to relapse or a physiological process, and whose aesthetic and/or functional dento-periodontal consequences are harmful. The causes are multifactorial origin. In the early stages of Wire Syndrome, dental and periodontal consequences are minors. These issues are thought to progressively worsen over time.However, to date, no author has proposed an appropriate diagnostic approach. Indeed, several diagnostic criteria have been reported in the literature, but their hierarchical ranking, in terms of importance and specificity, has yet to be determined.

The main objective of this study is therefore to propose a classification of WS according to its severity, based on a shared framework between periodontists and orthodontists. This classification should, facilitate early detection of the syndrome, and reduce diagnostic delays and therapeutic errors. It should also help clarify prognosis and improve interprofessional collaboration in developing personalized treatment plans.