Relapse
Pronunciation: REE-laps
The partial or complete return of teeth toward their pre-treatment positions following the completion of active orthodontic treatment.
Full Definition
Relapse in orthodontics describes the tendency of corrected tooth positions and occlusal relationships to revert toward their original state after active treatment ends, particularly when retainer wear is discontinued. It is driven by periodontal fibre memory, continued facial growth, and soft tissue pressures. The risk and extent of relapse vary by tooth type, movement type, and individual biological factors. Editors must not confuse orthodontic 'relapse' with its meaning in systemic medicine (recurrence of disease). In orthodontic documents, relapse is always positional, not pathological. 'Regression' is not an acceptable synonym in this context.
Usage
Usage note: In orthodontic copy, 'relapse' is strictly positional (teeth moving back). Do not use 'regression' as a synonym, and do not allow confusion with the medical/psychiatric sense of disease recurrence.
In Context
- "Incisor relapse was noted at the two-year post-treatment review following premature discontinuation of retainer wear." — Clinical audit report
- "The author's use of 'regression' to describe tooth movement relapse was replaced with the preferred term 'relapse' during copy-editing." — Manuscript editing note