Forget about Retainers for Life. How about Hawleys for Life? I guarantee my Hawleys will last longer than I do. *Certain designs* But if they break? I’ll replace them for free.
I had the idea for the invisible retainers for the life as soon as the technology was available. 2015? I even sent out the information to my doctors. No takers. I never pushed it, never expanded it, because I did not like the idea.
Not moving forward with it was an awful business decision. I’m perfectly fine with that because I think it was an exemplary professional decision. I’ve always put patients first.
I’ve been in this profession for close to 40 years. There have been two axioms that are intertwined. Only orthodontists should be doing orthodontics, and the Hawley is the gold standard for post treatment retention.
Giving patients those invisible retainers is like selling them a new car with a six-month limited warranty. The basic material, that most use, is the same as that which you find in the grocery store as packaging for fruits and vegetables. The more expensive material is only indicated for 18 months, less if the patient grinds.
Invisible retainers can also shift the bite, do not allow for natural occlusion–which is the best retention, and they can wear out, stretch, without the patient realizing it, leading to relapse.
Why not give them something worth their time and money, and your expertise?
The design is a simple one. Labial bow 3-3, with or without acrylic, and c-clasps welded to the bow for the 4’s. On the lower, I add occlusal rests on the 6’s.
Years ago, a doctor called after doing a retainer check after 18 years. Perfect bite, perfect occlusion, and Hawleys were still great.
I did have issues with this design in the past, as the lab I bought in 2005 used it for the most part. Either the wire would break at the occlusion, or the solder would come apart. I started using better materials, better techniques, and saw an end to all issues.
My Hawleys for Life come with one inclusive price: model printing, the appliance, any color or design, and delivery. The only additional cost is for labial acrylic.
Hawleys made from the original scan, with the broken one returned, will be free. I will not guarantee them from things outside my control like non-compliance, dogs ate them, or they get tossed in the trash. I will, however, offer a discount on remakes from new scans.