Orthotown July/August 2024 - 45

O
rthodontic practices across the
country are catching on to the
concept that a retainer replacement
program is both practicebuilding
and patient-requested.
Th e concept is simple: Removable
retention-here, specifi cally, clear
thermoformed retainers-is important
to help patients to maintain
orthodontic results and their investment
in their smiles.
Regular retainer replacement is in
the patient's best interest because
retainer performance decreases over
time and many become dirty, broken
or lost. If your practice can't provide
replacements in a simple, aff ordable,
convenient way, patients will look to
other sources, including other providers
or online direct-to-consumer companies.
Practices that support their
patients will be rewarded with happier
patients who maintain their treatment
results-and will fi nd fi nancial gains
as a result of these long-term retainer
replacement programs.
Figuring out the right frequency
One of the most common questions
from patients at the end of treatment
is, " How often should I replace my
retainer? " Although data may not
support an exact replacement schedule
for clear thermoformed retainers,
most orthodontists will agree on a
few constants:
* A certain percentage of patients
will lose or break their retainers
within the fi rst year and need a
replacement.
* A fresh retainer made from a
year-old 3D scan will feel diff erent
from the original retainer. Even
though the scan is the same and
if we assume that the patient
JULY/AUGUST 2024 | 45 | ORTHOTOWN.COM
wore the retainer regularly, an
older retainer typically feels loose
while the new retainer will feel
more rigid.
* Retainers will build up bacteria
over time regardless of the
cleaning method, similar to
replacement of a toothbrush or a
set of aligners.
Many practices comfortably rely
on the statement that retainers
should be replaced at least once a
year. Th is script is helpful because
it gives an orientation to the patient
that retainers may not perform well
if they've been worn for many years.
It also helps begin the conversation
that returning to the practice for a
new set of retainers is considered a
normal activity for patients looking
to maintain their results. Finally, this
comment can be followed up with a
recommendation from the practice on
the options for retainer replacement
within the practice.
Choosing from a spectrum
of options
Retainer replacement programs vary
across practices, from the most basic
version (patients contact the practice
each time a replacement is needed) to
more sophisticated, done-for-you programs
like Retainer Club that incorporate
24/7 online ordering and home
delivery. Between these two sides of
the spectrum are practices that create
membership programs with an initial
fee, which gives patients access to
low-cost retainers. Many times, that
fee can be fi nanced over the course of
treatment or paid off through thirdparty
fi nancing. Some of these programs
are customized and managed
by the practice team, while others,
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Orthotown July/August 2024

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