Approx. 40% of Orthodontic Patients Concerned About Relapse; Over 60% Desire Post-Treatment Check-ups

SAINT Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; Representative Director: Mitsuhide Okumura) conducted a survey of 118 patients currently in the retention phase to understand patient psychology and health consciousness after active orthodontic treatment.

The results show that while 92.4% are satisfied with the improvement in their teeth alignment, 39.0% feel anxious about "relapse." Additionally, 64.3% expressed a desire for regular check-ups of their teeth alignment and bite even after the retention period ends.

Furthermore, the survey confirmed a tendency for anxiety regarding relapse to increase as the retention period gets longer.

Following these results, SAINT believes that the future of orthodontics requires not only "finishing treatment" but also a perspective of "continuing to support patients after orthodontics."

In response to these patient needs, the five clinics that cooperated in this survey plan to discuss themes such as "relapse follow-up," "regular check-ups," and "long-term patient relationships." SAINT is committed to working closely with them to face the new era of orthodontics.

[Survey Summary] 1. Satisfaction with orthodontic treatment 2. Anxiety about relapse 3. Retention period and relapse anxiety 4. Demand for regular check-ups 5. Mental impact of orthodontic treatment

[Survey Overview] 1. Purpose: To understand patient mental and physical consciousness after active treatment 2. Period: February 1 - March 31, 2026 3. Target: Patients in the retention phase 4. Sample: n=118 5. Method: Google Forms

[Clinic Comments] Omiya SHIN Orthodontic Clinic (Director Shinya Yano): Considering QOL, we should actively address relapse as medical professionals to support patient mental stability. Ishioka Orthodontic & Pediatric Dental Clinic (Director Tara Kariya): Orthodontic treatment doesn't end with aligning teeth; providing peace of mind after treatment is a vital value. Saito Dental & Orthodontic Clinic (Vice Director Marina Saito): High interest in check-ups shows that patients understand the importance of retention. Ueno Orthodontic Clinic (Director Satoshi Ueno): We aim to be a clinic that accompanies patients through their lives, not just one that removes the apparatus. Machida Station Front Orthodontic Clinic: Maintaining a good condition after moving teeth is an essential part of the treatment.