College of Dentistry Organizes a Workshop on Retention in Orthodontics

Under the patronage of the esteemed Dean of the College of Dentistry, Professor Dr. Raghd Abdulrazzaq Mohammed,
the College of Dentistry at the University of Baghdad organized a workshop entitled “Retention in Orthodontics.” The lecture was delivered by Professor Dr. Shahbaa Abdul‑Ghafour, with the attendance of several postgraduate students and faculty members.

The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with the mechanisms of maintaining orthodontic treatment results and preventing teeth from returning to their previous positions after the removal of orthodontic appliances.

The workshop covered several key themes, including:

1. The concept of relapse and its causes.
2. Types of retainers (fixed – removable – clear).
3. Criteria for selecting the appropriate retainer.
4. Duration of retention and follow‑up plans.
5. Care of retainers and patient instructions.

The workshop recommended the following:

1. Using the appropriate retainer based on diagnosis rather than routine practice.
2. Emphasizing the importance of wearing removable retainers for the prescribed duration.
3. Regularly checking fixed retainers to avoid breakage or plaque accumulation.
4. Raising patient awareness about retention as an essential part of orthodontic treatment.
5.