Protocol for the finishing stage

Finishing is the most effective weapon in the battle against relapse. The choice of method depends on analyzing the type of relapse that is feared and the impact of aging, and on the help to be expected with retention.The present article deals with the practical requirements of finishing: duration, pre-finishing assessment, final arch wire bending, possible occlusal buffing, and elastic vertical interarcade traction.The theoretic protocol is illustrated by 3 cases followed up through finishing until appliance removal.The stability of occlusal results of course depends on the accuracy and fineness of finishing, but also on overall treatment management: anterior dentition control, anchorage control during retraction period, and choice of devices and extractions.Finishing can thus be said to be an important step - but one that begins on the first day of treatment.