Relapse refers to a short orthodontic treatment, lasting a few months, that is carried out when the teeth have shifted again due to insufficient retention after the completion of the initial orthodontic treatment.

The end of every orthodontic treatment marks the beginning of the retention phase.At this stage, the orthodontist places fixed retainers on the inner (lingual) surface of the anterior teeth in both the upper and lower jaws and provides removable retainers (maintenance appliances). The patient is instructed to wear them daily for a specific number of hours, usually around 10 hours at night.

The use of retainers follows the orthodontist’s instructions and is gradually reduced over time, in order to maintain long-term stability of the results.

Proper patient education and consistency during the retention phase are key factors for preserving orthodontic outcomes in the long term.