Relapse
In orthodontics, the tendency for teeth and jaws to return toward their pre-treatment positions after active treatment is completed.
Full Definition
Orthodontic relapse refers to the partial or complete return of dentofacial features toward their original, pre-treatment state following the cessation of active orthodontic or orthopedic force application. Relapse can be dentoalveolar (tooth movement) or skeletal (jaw position change) and is influenced by occlusal forces, soft-tissue pressures, periodontal fibre recoil, growth, and inadequate retention. Quantifying relapse typically requires comparison of records taken at end-of-treatment and at long-term follow-up. Editors should ensure that relapse is distinguished from 'residual growth' (continued jaw growth after treatment) in longitudinal study reports, as these are distinct phenomena.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'residual growth', which describes continued physiological development rather than a reversal of treatment effect. Specify whether relapse is dentoalveolar, skeletal, or both.
In Context
- "At the five-year recall, skeletal relapse of 1.8 mm was recorded at the mandibular incisor position." — Longitudinal orthognathic surgery outcome study
- "Authors must clearly distinguish between relapse and residual post-surgical growth when reporting long-term outcomes." — Journal editorial guideline