For information regarding ordering retainers, refer to the following:

• Overview
• How to Order a Retainer
• Retainer Appointment
• Retention Protocols

Overview

As you know, orthodontic treatment doesn't end when the teeth are straight—most patients will require retainers.

Unlimited cases include up to two sets of retainers every six months. One set of retainers is available with the ONE pricing option. All other retainers are available at standard Flex prices.

If you order a retainer and it does not fit, we recommend you take new impressions, locate the patient's case in the Doctor's Portal, and order new retainers. Please contact a Provider Services representative for any questions.

How to Order a Retainer

To order retainers for new or existing patients, perform the following steps: 

1. On the Manage Orders page, click either “ADD RETAINER in the header, or the ADD RETAINER button.

2. Select whether you’re ordering retainers for a new or existing patient.

3. For a new patient provide:

• Patient’s first and last name
• Your practice
• Whether you’re treating one or both arches
• If you’re submitting scans or impressions
• The number of retainer sets you want

4. For an existing patient provide:

• Patient’s name from list of existing patients
• Whether you’re treating one or both arches
• If you’re using an existing model, submitting scans or impressions
  • For existing models, provide the step you want the retainer based on
• The number of retainer sets you want
• Your shipping method

5. Agree to current Terms and conditions

6. Click Submit.

7. Once you click SUBMIT you’ll be taken to the patient’s case page. If your order is incomplete in any way, it will be indicated here under the ACTION NEEDED tab.

• If you’re submitting PVS impressions, you will be prompted to choose this as your option and to select your shipping method.

NOTE: If you submitted your case as a dual-arch case, it cannot be changed to a single-arch case. Make sure you send scans or impressions for both arches when submitting a revision or ordering retainers, even if you're only treating one arch. The aligners for the other arch will be passive (essentially a retainer) to keep everything in place and prevent relapse.

• Then click the button Create a shipping label.
• Once you have created a shipping label, select the Shipping label drop down, and then click the label you want to print. A Print button will appear to download and print the shipping label.
• Cut the label in half and put the Packing slip half into the box with your impressions.

For more information on shipping impressions, go to Submitting a case.

Retainer Appointment

When scheduling your patient's retainer appointment, make sure that you allow enough time for the shipment to arrive at your practice.

As you hand your patient their retainer, take the opportunity to educate them about the way that it works in preventing the relapse of teeth. You may also want to educate them in the importance of complying to your suggested retainer wear schedule.

Retention Protocols

Retention protocols can vary from patient to patient and according to the type of retainer used. It's up to you to determine the best protocol for your patient. 

Here’s one example of a typical retention protocol used by an experienced orthodontist:

• Wear the last aligners for 2 months
• Full-time wear of clear retainers or Hawley retainers for 2-6 months
• Follow up with bed-time wear of removable retainers
• Schedule 6-month "retainer check appointments" until doctor determines that they are no longer necessary