Retention Protocol
The written plan specifying the type, duration, and review schedule for retainers to be worn following active orthodontic treatment to prevent relapse.
Full Definition
A retention protocol is a documented clinical plan, often forming part of the treatment completion letter or a standalone record, that details which retainers have been fitted or issued, the prescribed wear regime, and the follow-up schedule. It may specify removable retainers, bonded retainers, or a combination. Indefinite retention is increasingly the standard of care, and protocols must reflect current evidence. Editors reviewing orthodontic discharge letters or practice policies must ensure the retention protocol section is internally consistent with the retainer types listed and the wear instructions given. 'Protocol' should not be shortened to 'plan' without checking house style.
Usage
Usage note: Verify that the retainer type stated in the protocol matches the retainer described elsewhere in the document. 'Protocol' implies a formal, evidence-based framework; use 'plan' only where informality is appropriate.
In Context
- "The retention protocol specified full-time removable retainer wear for the first three months, followed by nocturnal wear indefinitely." — Orthodontic discharge letter
- "The editor noted that the retention protocol in section four was inconsistent with the retainer type described in section two of the same letter." — Proofreading annotation