Torquing Spring Prevents Relapse: Eight Steps for Using the GTS

One of the more difficult challenges we, as orthodontic practitioners, have to face is post-treatment relapse.

We have all seen the type of relapse depicted in Fig. 1. Unfortunately, that is what the patient sees as well. I suspect if a small amount of relapse would occur in a first or second bicuspid and we offered to retreat it, the patient would decline. However, if relapse occurs in an anterior tooth almost every patient would want it retreated.

We, as practitioners then go through the invisalign type of appliances, spring aligners, etc. followed by permanent retention to correct the problem. We hope the bonded lingual will stay in place for many years.