**4. Retention**

The retention protocol for clefts follows the same principles of orthodontic treatment in Class III malocclusion without clefts. The upper and lower arches should have been coordinated throughout orthodontic and orthopedic intervention. Positive overjet and overbite with adequate intercuspation are necessary for retention. Hawley retainer in the maxillary and mandibular arch is used for retention. Hawley appliance often includes prosthetic teeth that will be displaced later with dental implants or prostheses. Patients are instructed to wear the Hawley appliance for 12 months continuously. After that, if the occlusion is stable, the Hawley retainer is used at night-time for additional six months.

Retention in cleft palate cases is longer than for noncleft patients. The reasons are due to:

