Happy patients, happy clinicians: Shae Chauhan explains how to choose a durable retainer material and why this is so important.
When it comes to retainers, everyone wants the same outcome: patient compliance, fewer breakages, and retainers that are easy to fabricate and fit. One of the most important factors in achieving this is selecting a high-quality thermoforming material.
Choosing the right material can make the difference between repeat visits to replace broken retainers and long-lasting, high-quality retainers. In this article, I’ll explain why I rank Iconic Lux as my top thermoforming material, providing the perfect balance of durability, comfort and ease of use. Plus I’ll explain why the Iconic PF1 pressure former is an ideal solution for any thermoforming lab offering a range of orthodontic appliances.
How to choose a retainer material
Retainers worn through the night need to be durable yet flexible enough for repeat removal and placing. Over time, many retainers can wear down and break if the material isn’t up to the task. For clinicians, this means extra appointments, more chair time and dealing with frustrated patients. For patients, it can mean discomfort, inconvenience, losing confidence in their treatment, not wearing the retainers, and increased risk of relapse – which nobody wants!
The solution? Choose a material that is durable enough to resist wear, yet comfortable enough for daily use. In addition, it should also be easy to work with in the lab.
Iconic Lux – my top retainer material for happy outcomes
Available in 0.8, 1, and 1.5mm thicknesses
Lux is my number one choice for a clear retainer that is comfortable, looks great, and lasts. Iconic Lux is a next generation retainer material, made from the latest polymer technology. It has a soft occlusal feel for increased patient comfort; it has increased flexibility and a greater resistance to fracture.
It repels staining and discolouration, plus technicians will appreciate how easy Lux is to work with – a high-performance material that forms consistently and reliably.
What makes Iconic Lux an ideal choice for retainers?
- Excellent impact strength, greater resistance to fracture – proven for long term retainer wear
- Soft occlusion properties – increased patient comfort
- Accepts bonding materials
- Brilliantly clear. Resistant to staining and discolouration
- Supplied with easy peel protective film for reduced production times.
The pressure forming advantage
Accuracy and fit
Unlike vacuum formers that pull from below, pressure formers exert a positive force from above, for a tighter and more precise fit. This method excels at reaching all embrasures, making it ideal for creating retainers, aligners, night guards, and bite raisers. The result is a superior fit that enhances patient comfort and treatment outcomes.
See the Iconic PF1 Pressure Former in action.
Despite its compact size, the PF1 delivers the same high pressure as larger, more expensive machines, making it a cost-effective solution. It operates at pressures from three to eight bar, accommodating even the thickest materials; making it versatile enough for sports mouth guards.
User-friendly design
Being an analogue machine, it eliminates the complexity of digital controls, making it incredibly easy to set up
It accommodates all standard sizes of blanks: 120mm, 125mm, or five-inch squares. The process is intuitive: DB Orthodontics provides PF1 heating times for all Iconic materials, ensuring perfect timing for the pressure application.
A win-win for all
The entire Iconic range is designed with clinicians and technicians in mind. These materials are easy to form, trim, and polish – saving you time and giving you consistent results.
With fewer breakages, improved patient comfort, and streamlined workflows, Iconic Lux Retainer material contributes to better patient compliance and lower chair time. That’s what we call a win-win.
This article is sponsored by DB Orthodontics.
