OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlative factors influencing the stability of orthodontic treatment out of retention.

METHODSPre-treatment, post-treatment and 2 approximately 8 years out of retention study models of 74 cases with malocclusion were assessed by the PAR (Peer Assessment Rating) index.

RESULTS(1) Out of retention, the relapse rate was 13.01% in weighted PAR total scores and the relapse rate was 6.38%, 15.56%, 28.86%, 22.41% in alignment, overjet, overbite and transverse buccal occlusion respectively. (2) The rate of great improvement was decreased from 77.03% after treatment to 64.86% out of retention. The PAR score increased in 53 cases (71.62%), unchanged in 6 cases (8.11%) and reduced in 15 cases (20.27%) out of retention. (3) The weighted total scores in the Begg appliance were higher than that in Edgewise out of retention (P < 0.05). (4) The alignment and PAR total scores out of retention were higher in class II malocclusion than in class I malocclusion (P < 0.05). (5) The weighted PAR total scores post-retention were higher in unilateral extraction than in other groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS(1) There was a trend that teeth relapsed to original position out of retention. The relapse rate was greater in alignment, overjet, overbite and transverse buccal occlusion. (2) The stability out of retention was not related to patient's age and sex, but was related to the types of appliance, malocclusion and extraction.