Orthodontic Retention — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: B — A combination of fixed bonded retainer (lower 3-3) and removable retainers
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C
The correct answer is A. Post-orthodontic retention is essential; teeth have a natural tendency to return to their pre-treatment positions due to periodontal, occlusal and soft tissue forces. Evidence from randomized controlled trials shows that lower anterior incisor alignment is significantly more stable with combined fixed bonded and removable retainers than with either alone. A fixed bonded retainer (typically spanning 3-3 or the anterior lower teeth) is the foundation, with a removable retainer (Hawley or vacuum-formed) as supplementary long-term retention. Option B is incorrect because retention is necessary for almost all treated cases. Options C, D, and E are all inadequate: 6 months (C) is too brief, daytime wear only for 3 months (D) is insufficient in both duration and compliance, and a positioner for 2 weeks (E) is far too short. Current best practice supports indefinite or very long-term retention (years to life) with fixed bonded retainers, especially in the mandible.
Reference: NICE Evidence Search (2004); Post-treatment Stability in Orthodontic Retention with Twistflex Retainers—PMC9381486 (2022); Post-treatment stability after 5 years of retention with vacuum-formed and bonded retainers: RCT—PMC9912701 (2023). https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/document?id=1882501