Lower Anterior Retention — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyOrthodonticsLower Anterior RetentionORE Part 1

Following removal of fixed appliances, a patient has well-aligned lower incisors but had marked lower anterior crowding before treatment. Which retainer is most appropriate to maintain lower anterior alignment long term?

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Correct answer: E — A bonded multistrand wire retainer extending between the lower canines

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · E = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as E

**A is correct.** Lower anterior alignment is particularly prone to post-treatment change, especially where there was pre-treatment crowding. A bonded retainer extending canine-to-canine provides continuous retention of the lower incisors without relying on the patient remembering to wear a removable appliance. UK orthodontic guidance recognises both fixed and removable appliances as appropriate retention methods, with appliance selection based on the long-term retention requirement. A removable vacuum-formed retainer can also be effective, but option C is inadequate because it specifies only one month of night-time wear. Hawley retainers are likewise removable and the stated short regimen is insufficient. Options D and E fail because retention is needed beyond one month. Bonded retainers require monitoring and meticulous interdental cleaning because fixed appliances can retain plaque.

Reference: British Orthodontic Society, Specialty Training Curriculum: Stability and retention, 2024. https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/-/media/Files/RCS/FDS/Dental-curricula/Orthodontic-Syllabus-ST13.pdf