High maintenance and worth it: seven reasons to choose the Maintain Retainer

Is Maintain’s fusion of ‘belt and braces’ style retention mixed with clinician and patient team-work the perfect formula for ending relapse challenges forever? DB Orthodontics thinks so. Read its seven reasons why you should choose the Maintain Retainer and decide for yourself.

1. Dual retention

Maintain’s dual approach comprises the following: a bonded braided flattened retainer wire, made with Straight 8 Plus rectangular wire for maximum surface lingual contact with the upper or lower anteriors, and two removable pressure formed retainers to be worn at night by the patient.

This approach offers greater support for both the posterior and anterior zones.

2. A handy additional retainer is provided

For peace of mind, an additional retainer is provided. This means the patient not only has the option of using the transfer jig minus the wire, but also a full arch retainer as a back-up.

3. The transfer jig is really easy to use

Take away the hassle of fitting retainers with bulky transfer jigs, which block visibility. The wire component of Maintain is attached to the transfer jig; a vacuum-formed full arch featuring a cut-out window.

This makes life easier in three ways: minimised risk of dropping the wire, full visibility at all times, and freedom of both hands. Once bonded, the jig is easily cut away with a high or slow speed bur, or a wire cutter.

4. Straight 8’s retainer wire provides maximum surface contact

Straight 8 Plus’ flattened rectangular shaped retainer wire provides maximum surface contact with the lingual surface in comparison to a rounded wire with a minimal sized contact point.

Fabricated by the experienced team at Studio 8, clinicians can enjoy the ease of fitting a high quality, highly polished low profile product designed to harbour minimal bacteria.

5. Less chairside time

Studio 8’s digital technology allows clinicians to take a scan or impression with fixed appliances still in place, whilst still creating a perfect fit with Maintain.

As Maintain can be fitted at the same time as the de-bond of appliances, all is completed in one appointment. This offers the bonus of less chairside time, saves on booking an additional visit for the patient and removes the risk of tooth movement occurring between de-bonding and fitting appointments.

6. Passive retainer placement

If retainers are placed incorrectly, torque may be introduced and result in unexpected tooth movement (Katsaros, Livas and Renkema, 2007).

The vacuum-formed retainer element of the jig, which is then cut away following bonding and used as a retainer, helps to minimise the risk of torque forces.

7. Rely on great service

Fully digital in-house laboratory Studio 8, based at DB Orthodontics’ HQ, offers a five-day turnaround and accepts alginate, silicone or digital scans. As with all DB products and services, a highly-trained team is always available for support over the phone and can provide a lab order form via email on request.

Consultant orthodontist and Maintain designer, David Waring, says of Maintain: ‘Dual retention is a desired approach for retention following active orthodontic treatment. The design of Maintain performs both roles and allows easy placement of the bonded retainer.’

Solve all your retention challenges

It’s no surprise to hear many clinicians find the fitting of retainers tricky. Perhaps Maintain can provide a solution to this common challenge and more. If Maintain could benefit your practice, arrange a visit or for more information call +44 (0) 1535 656 999, email [email protected] or visit www.dbortho.com.

References

Katsaros C, Livas C and Renkema AM (2007) Unexpected complications of bonded mandibular lingual retainers. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 132(6): 838-41

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