The investigation of occlusal contacts during the retention period.

Removable retention appliances were applied to 20 treated orthodontic patients, and their occlusal contact points were determined from occlusal registrations taken at the beginning and the end of retention. Furthermore, to determine the results at the end of retention, the occlusion of 20 treated patients was compared with a control group of another 20 subjects who had an ideal occlusion. During the retention phase the number of contacts in centric occlusion increased significantly. No significant difference was observed with regard to the location of contacts. Whereas the number of ideally located contacts was similar to that in the control group, differences were observed in actual and canine contacts between the groups. At the end of retention, the balancing side contacts in lateral movements and the posterior contacts in protrusive movements were generally determined as near contacts and showed a similarity to the control group. In order to maintain the occlusal stability that is needed for the success of orthodontic treatments, ideal occlusal contacts and localization of contacts in centric and eccentric occlusion should be considered.