The problem of retention must be solved during treatment or it probably will not be solved at all. There are very definite procedures which must be achieved before we can expect the overbite and tooth alignment to remain stable. The orthodontist must believe intensely in the importance and correctness of these concepts before he or she can pursue them assiduously.

There are many frustrations involved in the treatment of malocclusion-so many temptations to abandon the treatment before it is properly finished. Without an intense determination one cannot pursue the treatment to the bitter end-to the final successful conclusion.

Since this is true, it is of overriding importance that the members of our profession agree on just what these concepts are. If we continue to differ on what these important procedures really are, we will perpetuate the chaos that now exists. The power of complete agreement would be a unifying influence on treatment philosophy.

The concepts of which I speak were listed in a publication over 30 years ago. Today I would not change the list. When these concepts are achieved, it will go a long way toward producing permanent results. The patients for whom this treatment routine was used are now from 20 to 55 years of age. As I go around my city I see these patients quite frequently. I always observe their teeth, and I like what I see. My son, Dr. George Schudy, is an orthodontist in Houston, and very seldom does one of my patients come to him with an unstable occlusion. It is a great pleasure to run across these patients. It takes someone who has practiced many years to test the validity of treatment concepts. The concepts referred to above were published in 1968 in the AJO, were republished in a book by Schudy and Schudy in 1992, and published in the "Schudy Chronicles" on the Internet in 1997. The book is being translated into French. The contents of the web site are being published in both French and English in the same volume. These concepts are as follows:

1. Mandibular molars and premolars must be upright (about 90° to the occlusal plane).
2. Mandibular arch must be completely leveled without intruding the incisors.
3. Bite must be end to end (about 1 mm overbite and 1 mm overjet).
4. The interincisal angle should be correct (130° to 135°).
5. Mandibular arch retention must include a canine to canine retainer.
6. Leveling should be achieved by moving the molars occlusally (if possible).

To this I would now add:

1. Lower incisors should not be moved forward.
2. Lower cuspids should not be expanded, and
3. Upper incisors should be intruded as needed.

Retention primarily involves carefully observing these principles during treatment. If they are fully achieved, retention is a small problem. This is contrary to conventional opinion but nevertheless true. Please see Articles No. 1 and No. 16. During treatment, if the ANS to Mn distance is increased as much or more than the depth of the vertical overbite and growth has ceased, then the overbite correction is permanent.

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