The days of limited, obvious retention options are long over. Over the years, Essix retainers have seen a large leap in popularity, and for good reason. Here, we’re going to take you through all the specifics of these clear removable retainers. We’ll explain their purpose, the benefits they bring to the table, why patients often prefer them to their other retainer options, and what the process looks like. We’ll also spend some time answering frequently asked questions about the technology.

Adding these high-demand retainers to your practice’s offerings can bring great experiences and results for your patients. If you’re interested in learning more about Essix retainers and everything that goes with them, read on.

What are Essix Retainers?

Essentially, Essix retainers are clear trays of durable plastic that are made to fit over your teeth. They’re manufactured to exactly match your smile using scans, impressions, or molds of your mouth. Because of their tight fit and transparent material, there’s a minimal impact on how your teeth look day to day. 

You can trace the history of the Essix retainer back to the 1990s. It’s an innovation that was made possible through advancements in the technology used to create them as well as the plastic itself.

Common Uses

One common use for Essix retainers is as the final step of a clear aligner process. After that final tray of clear aligners, the Essix retainer is a clear option for holding the teeth in that position. That’s the main application we’ll discuss in the rest of this piece. 

However, there are also other scenarios in which a clear removable retainer can be of good use. For example, when a patient is missing a tooth, their dentist can sometimes use one of these devices to fill in the gaps. The spaces can be filled in with the color of the surrounding teeth. Do know that this process is meant to be a short-term measure while you decide on a more permanent replacement, like bridges or implants, but it can provide an aesthetic fix in a pinch. 

How Do Essix Retainers Work?

While clear aligners move teeth incrementally with continuous pressure, the retainer does not make any changes to a smile. It is there to maintain the placement the aligners achieved. Orthodontic thought has moved toward encouraging indefinite retention efforts, meaning more people are wearing retainers for a longer period after finishing a course of treatment. An Essix retainer is a great choice because it can last years without needing any adjustments from an orthodontist. They’re simply made in the shape of a patient’s arches and fit tightly enough to prevent the teeth from moving out of those positions.

Some might not notice a difference between their clear removable retainer and the set of clear aligners they had been wearing up until that point, but there are some subtle ways to tell them apart:

• The retainer is a bit thicker than the aligners. 
• It usually doesn’t come as close to the gums as the aligners did, though this is a very small measurement of a millimeter or two.
• Aligners often include attachments to help move the teeth, but retainers never have attachments.

Otherwise, there’s not much of a difference between an Essix retainer and the clear aligners many patients are already used to, and that’s what makes it a logical conclusion to that line of treatment. 

How Do Essix Retainers Compare to Other Types of Retainers?

Clear removable retainers are not for everyone. There are other options that will sometimes be a better fit for different cases or desirable for different people. The variations in types of retainers mostly have to do with fit, flexibility, and materials. Here, we’ll detail the other popular options of retainer and then discuss which ones are best for certain scenarios.

Hawley Retainers

These are the classic appliances that likely first come to mind when you hear the word “retainer.” They have a wire across the front of the arch, so they’re very visible when you’re wearing them. Hawley retainers for the top arch have a plastic component that covers the roof of your mouth, and the bottom ones are similar, but they leave plenty of room for your tongue. They also feature metal clasps to keep them in place by gripping your teeth.

These are convenient, easy to repair, and relatively inexpensive options, which is why they’ve been so popular for so long. However, the aesthetic component is not ideal for many people, especially adults who don’t want to draw attention to the fact that they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.  

Fixed Retainers

While the other types of retainers we’ve discussed are removable, fixed retainers are permanently in a patient’s mouth. They’re wires that an orthodontist attaches to the back of the teeth. 

The benefits of having an appliance permanently in your mouth is a big benefit for those who might otherwise forget to wear their retainers as directed. The fixed retainer is always there, keeping the teeth in place, whether you’re thinking about it or not. It’s also not visible when you smile, so the aesthetic component is typically more agreeable than a Hawley retainer. 

However, there are also challenges to these types of retainers. One of the major ones is dental hygiene. Food can get caught around the wire, so it’s important for people with fixed retainers to stay on top of brushing and flossing. Plus, fixed retainers are usually only used for the front teeth, so if you have concerns about other teeth, they won’t be a solution. Contrast that with something like a clear removable retainer, which keeps the whole arch in place. 

Which Type of Retainer is Best?

This is a decision unique to each case and the input of a professional. However, some patients will voice that they would strongly prefer an Essix retainer due to its minimal invasiveness and near invisibility. The best candidates for a clear removable retainer usually have already been through a course of treatment with clear aligners. So, they likely had slight, cosmetic changes they wanted to make to their smile and want to use a clear removable retainer to make sure those changes stay in place after their last tray. They’re already familiar with the cleaning requirements, keeping track of a removable appliance, and some of the other things that make them trickier choices for other people. 

Fixed retainers are good for people who don’t want to worry about misplacing their retainers, and Hawley retainers are serviceable options for basic cases. And if a patient is already embarking on a clear aligner treatment, it usually makes the most sense to finish it out with a clear removable retainer, since that’s what they are already used to.

What is the Clear Removable Retainer Process Like?

If what you’ve learned so far about Essix retainers has made them an appealing option, you should start looking for your next steps toward getting that kind of appliance for your case. 

The first thing to do is to make an initial assessment of the case at hand. Of course, if the patient is already undergoing a course of treatment, you should have some idea of what kind of retainers would be best for them at the end of it. Whether they’re currently in braces or working through a course of clear aligner trays, they will need some kind of retainer at the end of the treatment. See if they’re interested in clear removable retainers, or if they would prefer a different method of retention. Then, you can use your professional expertise to determine whether they are a good candidate or not. 

If you and your patient agree that an Essix retainer is the best option moving forward, then you’ll start the process. You’ll send in the models, impressions, or digital scans of the patient’s teeth, and the manufacturer will create the necessary retainers. After the initial fitting to ensure that the clear removable retainer has been made correctly, you shouldn’t need anything else done to the retainer until it’s time to replace it.

How Should You Care For Retainers?

Regular cleaning is a huge concern for a clear removable retainer. If they’re dirty, they won’t be clear, after all. To keep them as discreet as possible, you should rinse them with cool water each time you take them out. You can also regularly soak them in cool water, and use a soft toothbrush to gently clean them when necessary. Do not use toothpaste or hot water on an Essix retainer; they can damage the plastic. There are also special cleaning agents designed specifically for clear removable retainers that you can use once in a while to get a deeper clean. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a recommendation, and they should be a good resource for any other cleaning concerns you might have. 

Other than cleaning, the other most important part of Essix retainer maintenance is storage. Make sure that it’s in the appropriate case when it’s not in your mouth. That way, you will be less likely to misplace it or accidentally throw it away in a pile of used napkins. 

Even if you do take good care of it, though, a clear removable retainer typically needs to be replaced after about three years. They naturally get looser with time, and you want them to stay tight to support your teeth and keep them from shifting. You’ll also need to replace a retainer if it gets damaged in any way. Contact your orthodontist, and they’ll be able to help you with the next steps.

Common Questions and Concerns about Essix Retainers

Now that we’ve covered the basics about clear removable retainers, let’s look at some of the more in-depth questions people often ask when they’re preparing to get their own Essix retainer.

The first is the comfort factor. People wonder whether the clear removable retainer is going to be irritating when it’s in their mouth. The good news is that most patients find an Essix retainer easy to forget about. This is especially true if they’re already used to clear aligners. As long as they’re dutiful about wearing their retainers as recommended, they shouldn’t put uncomfortable levels of pressure on their teeth.

Another concern a potential patient might have is how they’ll sound talking when they’re wearing the retainer. Some people worry they’ll have a noticeable lisp or other problems with enunciating correctly with all that plastic in their mouths. The truth is, all retainers can impact how you sound, but clear removable retainers typically don’t cause too much of an issue. With a little practice, they should be able to speak naturally and clearly.

The last question we’ll address is how long most people are required to wear the retainers each day. You as the orthodontist will be able to give a specific recommendation for each circumstance, but typically, patients start out wearing their retainers all the time for a few months and then only at night. Some people are able to step down to every other night after about a year, but again, input from a professional is vital to ensuring good outcomes in each specific case. 

Add Clear Removable Retainers to Your Practice

Now that you’re familiar with all the ins and outs of Essix retainers, you should feel comfortable discussing the subject with a professional. You can bring any lingering concerns up with them, and they should be able to answer your questions. After you get it all squared away, you can start offering your patients the impressive experience and results of a clear removable retainer, and everyone will benefit from that.

If you have a dental or orthodontic practice that would benefit from partnering with a clear removable retainer provider, consider us here at Ohlendorf. We have a long history of outstanding quality, and we take pride in offering our clients the best orthodontic appliances. Our clear retainers and clear aligners are excellent options to offer your patients. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions — we look forward to hearing from you. 

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Invisalign is probably the most well-known brand of clear teeth aligners in the US today. That treatment system has been around since the late ‘90s, so they’ve had plenty of time to build up credibility and name recognition. In spite of Invisalign’s popularity, there are a lot of other, quality options for clear aligners that are growing in popularity. It makes sense — alternatives to Invisalign can often be less expensive than their more established counterpart, among other benefits. It’s only natural for consumers to choose the option that works best for their bottom line.

However, there are lots of other aspects of clear aligners that your dental or orthodontic practice should consider before choosing an Invisalign alternative. Being absolutely positive you’re providing high-quality alignment services will bring your patients a lot of peace of mind regarding the process. Plus, you can feel confident that you’ll see great results at the end of treatment. 

We’ve put together the main considerations you need to take into account when you’re choosing an Invisalign alternative. By the end of this piece, you should feel secure in your decision, or at least have a solid foundation to start with. Let’s begin with the most obvious one.

Cost

This is likely the biggest reason why you are looking for alternatives to Invisalign in your practice. Finding a clear aligner solution that costs less can save your patients a lot of money and convince them to have cosmetic straightening that they might have otherwise resisted. 

Lots of people are unhappy with the alignment of their teeth, but they assume the barriers to getting the smile they want are too steep for what it’s worth. When you can offer a solution that’s not as invasive or as aesthetically disruptive as traditional braces that still falls within their budget, they might start to reconsider. Alternatives to Invisalign are often more cost effective and therefore more accessible to a wider range of people.

Of course, it’s important to keep all of the other considerations we’ve listed in later sections in mind, too — deciding on cost alone is likely a recipe for poor results. The efficacy of an Invisalign alternative is ultimately more important than cost savings. If the trays don’t work, or if, even worse, they end up causing damage to the patients’ teeth, then no amount of money is worth it. 

Definitely weigh the cost of all the Invisalign alternatives you’re considering, but take it as one consideration among many, not the end-all-be-all.

At-Home Options

When it comes to cost, lots of patients are interested in the direct-to-consumer model of Invisalign alternatives. They can usually save money that way. If your patients ask about those options, caution them against embarking on a treatment plan without the input of a trained professional. Your experience and expertise is a valuable part of the clear aligner process, and the savings they might get from skipping trips to your office can come at a steeper price than just money — it could damage their teeth.

Treatment Time

There’s a delicate balance when it comes to alternatives to Invisalign and treatment time. Getting the straightening done faster is going to be a huge appeal to prospective patients, but going too fast can be a sign of potentially unsafe tactics. Use your expertise in the field to determine what an unreasonable time frame is. 

Patient education also has a lot to do with how quickly they can complete their treatment. If they’re not wearing their aligners for the appropriate amount of time each day, then they’re going to fall behind the planned timeline. Make sure you impress upon them just how important it is to diligently wear their aligners. This could mean any time they’re not actively eating, they’re wearing their aligners, but other alternatives to Invisalign have nighttime-only options. These won’t work for everyone and will likely take longer than the continuous wear model.

Everyone wants their treatment to take as little time as possible. However, the proper implementation is ultimately more important than speeding up the process. Watch out for anything too fast while doing what you can to make sure nothing’s dragged out unnecessarily. 

Kinds of Cases they Can Treat

Not all alternatives to Invisalign are meant to treat every kind of orthodontic issue. Some are better suited to more mild, cosmetic concerns, while others can complete a whole arch alignment. You’ll want to be able to offer a wide range of treatments to your clear aligner patients. So, if they only need a few teeth slightly rotated or minor crowding corrected, then you can provide a quicker and more appropriate solution rather than offering a more one-size-fits-all approach. 

Alternatively, if you only partner with alternatives to Invisalign that treat the very mildest of cases, you won’t be able to treat a lot of patients. Finding a company that can make clear aligners for a wide range of cases is a great way to ensure that you’re truly expanding what your practice can do and not limiting it to only a few kinds of cases.

It can be helpful to find a company that manufactures a few different lines of clear aligners. That way, there will be different options to suit different cases’ needs. It’s a great way to expand your offerings and potentially increase the amount of patients in your practice.

Track Record

It’s important to make sure the Invisalign alternative you’re recommending to your patients has a proven history of working well, even if it’s much newer than the well-established players in this field. 

Finding reviews online is one way to investigate the track record of the Invisalign alternative you might be considering. And as with any company, you can always look up their standing with the Better Business Bureau. Alternatives to Invisalign with a lot of complaints aren’t the kinds you want to partner with. 

On the other hand, it’s also not a good sign if you can’t find much about the company. A brand-new business might not have their processes and operations nailed down yet. It’s usually better to find a company with a long history of success and happy patients. It’s such a crowded space already that the established manufacturers have stood the test of time for a reason. 

Asking around to see what service other practices are using can be another way to get a feel for the track record of various alternatives to Invisalign. Whichever route you choose, do your due diligence and ask the companies you’re considering about all the other considerations on our list. You’ll have more trust that way.

Materials

A clear aligner is only as good as the material it’s made out of. Many of the newer materials are more comfortable, stronger, and harder to see than their predecessors, and those are the kinds of innovations you’re looking for in alternatives to Invisalign. Definitely ask the company you’re considering about the materials they use, and if they’ve been around for a while, make sure they’ve been updating their methods over the years.

Durability is a huge factor here. Patients wear their aligners for upwards of 20 hours per day, so they need to be able to stand up to such heavy use. Another thing about the materials you might not initially consider is how clear they stay over time. The biggest selling point of clear aligners is that they don’t impact the look of your smile during treatment, unlike traditional braces. So, you’re looking for Invisalign alternative materials that are easy to clean. If they can’t get completely clean and clear after all that wear, then they’re going to be too visible on the patients’ teeth. 

Technology

This is a bit of a catch-all category that touches on a lot of the other aspects we’ve already discussed. Consider how the Invisalign alternatives are made and how the manufacturer takes the shape of the patients’ arches into consideration (scans, impressions, or models). Top-of-the-line products will likely be more accurate and at the cutting edge of technological advancements in the industry. 

Alternatives to Invisalign all use similar technology, for the most part. Looking for drastic differences probably won’t bring too many results. However, you should stay away from anything that seems too outdated, or if the company can’t competently answer your questions about the tech they utilize. The main players should fully understand what’s going on and be able to speak in detail about how their aligners are made and how the process works. 

Getting on top of the newest innovations is a great sign that the Invisalign alternative is effective and forward-thinking. Getting too far ahead of themselves, though, is a bit of a warning sign.

Customer Service

We’ve already detailed everything you need to look for in an orthodontic lab in a previous post, so you can read that one if you need all the specifics on this point. However, we’ll address the broad strokes here for convenience and completion’s sake. 

You should get all the guidance, support, and help you need from the lab that’s fabricating your clear aligners. Make sure you’re fully aware of how the process works when you start working with an Invisalign alternative. For example, if there’s an initial consultation, that can be a big help toward getting your patients the right fit for their case. That might be a feature you should prioritize. 

We mentioned treatment time in a previous section, and making sure you can start the treatment as quickly as possible is one way to speed up the whole process. A company that’s not responsive or slow to manufacture the trays is going to be frustrating. 

Alternatives to Invisalign Here at Ohlendorf

If you’re looking for alternatives to Invisalign that tick all of the boxes we’ve laid out so far, you don’t have to look any further. The clear aligners we make fit a lot of different needs. We have three different tray systems on offer to dental or orthodontic practices: Clear Force, Clear Express, and Clear Hold. Clear Force is our most comprehensive Invisalign alternative, as it is meant to move the entire arch. Clear Express is best suited to mild cases that only require aligning the four anterior teeth, and Clear Hold is for retention. 

So, the alternatives to Invisalign that we offer can cover a wide variety of patients and cases. There are also customizations made in each of those different systems to make sure the solution is the best fit for each individual case. We’ll provide any attachment templates, IPR guides, and any other materials you’ll need to make the treatment process go smoothly.

When it comes to flexibility, customer service, and quality of treatment, Ohlendorf Appliance Lab delivers on all fronts. We also aim to continue adapting as the industry advances — we’ve kept on top of the game since 1933, and we have no plans to slow down.

Find the Right Invisalign Alternative

Armed with all of this information, your practice should now be ready to choose the right Invisalign alternative to offer your patients. Clear aligners are surging in popularity for good reason, and the growing number of people interested in this type of treatment are discerning about the companies they choose to go with. Instead of opting for the most obvious choice, going for an Invisalign alternative could help your patients achieve great results with less strain on their budget. It can also make this type of treatment more accessible for those who otherwise couldn’t afford it. As long as all the other elements of the service are there and above-board, you’re making a great decision.

Here at Ohlendorf, our clear aligner solutions are some of the best alternatives to Invisalign on the market. You can count on our long history of superior craftsmanship and service to bring the best results for your patients. If you’re curious, you can read more about our history on our website. We’d also love to answer any other questions you might have about our clear aligners, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

The post What to Consider When Choosing Alternatives to Invisalign appeared first on Ohlendorf Appliance Labs.

These days, braces are far from the only option for teeth alignment services. Clear aligners have become increasingly popular in the past decade or so, especially for adults who only want to make minor adjustments to their smile. Whether it’s their first time attempting to straighten their teeth or new issues have cropped up since they had braces when they were younger, a clear aligner solution fits a lot of needs. They’re discreet and less invasive, which makes them an appealing option when they’re available. As such, many dentist offices want to add these services as an option for their patients. Partnering with a clear aligner lab is a great way to bulk up your office’s offerings, but finding the right partner might be a difficult process.

There are a lot of different clear aligner companies out there, so when you’re trying to choose the best fit for your patients, you’ll need to do your homework. Providing the best solutions at the most reasonable prices is not something all clear aligner companies can do. 

So, without any further introduction, let’s dive deep into the clear aligner process.

What does the process look like?

Typically, you will take scans, models, or impressions of your patients’ arches in your office. Then, you’ll send them off to the clear aligner lab. There’s usually some sort of approval process at this point where the lab proposes a treatment plan and the doctor signs off on it. These are details like any attachments or IPR needed and how many trays the course of treatment requires. After that’s all been agreed to, they’ll create a series of clear aligners that are custom-made to move the patient’s teeth, and they’re best suited to mild to moderate cosmetic issues. 

Patients might pursue another way of using invisible aligners to move their teeth, though. Some clear aligner companies will sell directly to the consumer, sending them kits where they can take impressions of their teeth at home. This model obviously has a lot of issues, and many clear aligner companies try to steer clear of it because of them. It’s better for those labs to work with dentist offices to create solutions that will work for their patients.

What You’ll Receive from a Clear Aligner Lab

The specifics of what a clear aligner lab will send you for each case will vary slightly, but here are the basics of what you can generally expect.

• • Trays – Some cases might only require one to five trays, while others need 16 or more to achieve the desired results. 

• Attachment Template – Attachments can improve the treatment process in some cases, but they’re not always necessary. Clear aligner companies will give you guidance when they are, and they should include all the necessary information so that you can place them properly.

• • IPR Guide – For the uninitiated, IPR stands for interproximal reduction. It’s a process that removes a minute amount of enamel between teeth. The space is then closed through the corrections made over the course of clear aligner treatment. Many cases will not require IPR, and sometimes, you can request that IPR not be included in the treatment plan. However, optimal results might not be able to be achieved without the IPR process.

• Video of Treatment Progression – Not all options will include this step, but some will allow you to see this before you approve the treatment plan for the case.

• “Chewies” – Some clear aligner companies might have a different name for them, but these are small, rubber-like objects that patients bite on after they insert their aligners. This process helps the aligners seat fully. They’re reusable, and patients should have them on hand at all times.

Clear Aligners vs Traditional Braces

Adding traditional braces to your practice can be very difficult, but it can be quite easy to add aligners through a clear aligner lab. As we’ve explained, the lab takes the scans, models, or impressions that you create and then fabricates all the trays necessary to complete the case. 

Another benefit for both your office and for your patients is that clear aligners require less time in terms of visits. Getting braces put on is a long ordeal, but clear aligners pop in and out quite easily. You won’t need to spend as much time seeing to the patient’s needs, and as long as you partner with a reputable and trustworthy clear aligner lab, you can be confident they’re getting the appropriate treatment without a lot of intervention from you.

One downside to clear aligners is that because they’re so convenient, it can be easy for patients to neglect to wear them. This is obviously not an issue you run into with traditional braces. However, impressing on the patient just how important it is to be wearing the aligners for the appropriate amount of time can solve a lot of these issues.

Clear aligners appeal to adults who would never consider braces for aesthetic or comfort reasons. Even people with only mild, cosmetic issues with their teeth can be good candidates for clear aligners. So, they make a natural fit as an extension of many dentist offices’ services.  

What to Look for in a Clear Aligner Lab

Now that you’re more familiar with the world of clear aligner companies and what they can bring to your dental practice, let’s dive deeper into what to look for when you’re trying to choose a lab to partner with. Some of it is plain common sense, and other points are more targeted toward clear aligner companies specifically. Both kinds of advice are important to keep in mind, though, as there are many options out there. The choice is a big one, and you’ll need all this information to make it confidently.

Not Direct to Consumer

If the clear aligner lab sells directly to the consumer, then they’re less likely to understand the value that dental practices bring to the table when it comes to this type of treatment. Look for clear aligner companies that only work with dentist offices. That way, they’ll be more specialized in your exact needs and interfacing with offices like yours.

Direct-to-consumer clear aligners can cause a lot of problems, and it shows a level of care to refrain from selling them that way. A clear aligner lab that recognizes this is probably a better bet than one that doesn’t.

Fast Turnarounds

Waiting on the clear aligner lab to reply to you or even to create and send over the aligners themselves can be frustrating if it’s not a prompt process. You should partner with a company that runs a tight operation and can get back to you in a timely manner.

We’ll talk about the communication aspect of working with a lab in the next section, but in terms of manufacturing the aligners, it shouldn’t take more than two or three weeks to receive them once the treatment plan has been approved.

Of course, there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that make a longer turnaround time necessary, but in general, you shouldn’t be waiting a long time to get the aligners to your patients. They’ll probably be very eager to start as soon as possible, so it’s a better experience for them to get their aligners as quickly as you reasonably can without cutting corners. A good clear aligner lab can deliver on that.

Good Communication

Some clear aligner companies are massive operations that can be impersonal in their communication style. You’re going to get more personalized communication with a smaller, more local clear aligner lab. They should be able to answer any questions you have, whether they’re about the process in general or about a specific case. 

If you get a bad fit in terms of communication, that’s going to make the whole process more complicated and painful than it needs to be. Bad communication can look like a long time between responses, avoiding answering questions, or just not being able to clearly convey what they mean. If you get conflicting information, that’s a big red flag.

Some clear aligner companies will treat their larger clients with more prompt communication and leave their smaller accounts languishing, waiting to hear back. Find a lab that has a high level of personalization and helpfulness no matter how much you’re paying them.

Quality of Product

It’s a given that you want to provide the highest quality for your patients. The material clear aligner trays are made out of has a big impact on patient experience, so you’re going to want to make sure you’re partnering with a clear aligner lab that uses plastics that can stand up to the demands of this type of treatment.

The problems patients often run into include staining and lack of durability. Of course, they’ll encounter some degree of staining no matter how well they clean their aligners, but some types of clear aligners have more issues with staining than others. The whole point of a clear solution is to make it as hard to notice as possible, so when they start staining, that’s a big issue. 

Similarly, a broken aligner halfway through the course of treatment is going to be a major setback. Finding durable materials is an important job for clear aligner companies, and if you go with one that’s trying to cut corners, your patients will know.

Cost Effectiveness

To make clear aligners an appealing alternative for your patients, they’ll have to be able to afford treatment. Some clear aligner companies make their products prohibitively expensive for certain folks. So, if you can find a clear aligner lab that creates quality products at reasonable prices, that’s definitely the best way to go. 

This one probably goes without saying, as it’s something you’re always looking for in pretty much anything you buy. Still, it’s important to keep in mind when you’re trying to select one of the many clear aligner companies out there. You want as many patients as possible to be able to afford a beautiful smile, and a cost-effective clear aligner lab can make that happen for a wide swath of folks.

The Future of Clear Aligner Companies

As we’ve seen, clear aligners have grown a lot in popularity over the last few years. They’ve gotten more affordable for the consumer and have become much more widespread than they once were. As we noted in an earlier section, clear aligners are so accessible that some patients are skipping the dentist visits altogether and choosing to order them through the mail instead. There are a lot of negatives associated with going this route, but you’re probably already aware of them (the American Association of Orthodontists strongly cautions against using an at-home service). It’s important to make patients aware of how important office visits are to ensuring a safe and effective alignment treatment. 

Digital scans are growing in popularity, and eventually, they’ll be the predominant way to create clear aligner trays, if not the only one. Physical impressions and models are going the way of the fax machine and the vhs tape. It might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with that technology now so that you’re not left behind. 

Now you’re ready to choose the right clear aligner lab.

Our clear aligner lab here at Ohlendorf Appliance Laboratory will never sell directly to the consumer, so you can be sure that you’re giving them the best price. We pride ourselves on the quality of our products and our service.

No case is too small. The professionals in our St. Louis clear aligner lab are happy to answer questions you have about specific cases. Our technicians can help you determine which Clear Solution will best suit the specific case, as we have a few different options for you to choose from. 

The Clear Force system is for full arch alignment, and is the most comprehensive option of the three. The Clear Express system is meant to align only the four anterior teeth, making it a quick solution for those with mild issues. Finally, there’s the Clear Hold system of invisible/Essix type retainers. We’d be happy to consult on which one would be best for your next case, and we look forward to hearing from you!

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My name is Kevin Ohlendorf, and I am the third generation owner of the Ohlendorf Appliance Laboratory.  The lab was started in 1933 and my grandpa started working at the lab soon after it opened. In 1943 he purchased the lab, and it has been in our family ever since.  My dad took over the lab from my grandpa and I took over from my dad. It has been a real honor for me to carry on this tradition, and be a third generation owner.

I decided to start writing a Blog so I could pass along specific information on topics that I think you will find helpful and things that come up at the lab that have a wide range of interest.    Everyone likes to receive information in different ways, and many people prefer a written Blog instead of the Video Blogs that we do.

OUR HISTORY:

When my grandpa started working at the lab in 1933 we mainly made full arch braces with custom bands on every tooth.  This was before bonded brackets and preformed bands. Our technicians spent most of their time making custom bands to fit every single tooth, not just the molars, and welding tubes on to those bands for the wires to go through.  Straightening teeth was difficult and required a lot of metal.

This went on until the early 1970’s when bonded brackets started replacing fully banded cases.  My grandpa Howard and my dad, Mark, saw this new technology eliminating a major portion of the business.  They realized some major changes were needed for the business to survive.

In the late 1970’s Functional Appliances were starting to be introduced and taught in this country.  My dad saw the incredible results that were being achieved with them, and knew Functional Appliances would be the future of our business and began the process of transitioning our lab to be one of the leaders in Functional Appliance Fabrication.  Thank goodness he had the foresight to do this. Many labs that did not embrace this new way of doing things, lost a ton of customers and many went out of business.

THE FUTURE:

About every 30 years the industry has made a major change.  So what will my legacy be? While we still make braces and we still make Functional Appliances, the major change that I see happening is Digital Technology.  My role is to guide the lab from traditional models and hand-made custom appliances to digital impressions, model printing, and Cad Cam appliance design and construction.

It is a very exciting time for us.  For the last few years we have started seeing more and more cases being sent to us digitally instead of doctors sending in physical models.  The day is soon approaching when the scales will tip, and we will receive more cases digitally than through the mail. We have been working hard to keep up with the technology and modifying our processes to take advantage of the benefits that are available.  If you are taking digital impressions of any kind, we can accept them. We are certified with all the companies including Itero, Sirona, 3M, 3Shape and many others. If you have questions, please email me or give me a call.

Once we have the scans, we can print your models and fabricate your appliances just like we do with stone models.  We also have the capabilities to do more of the appliance fabrication process digitally than ever before and this is where the future is headed.

Our CAD CAM software allows us to move teeth to create Inman Aligners, Clear Express and Clear Force Aligners, remove brackets from the models before we make retainers, and produce a variety of reports for IPR and before and after comparisons.  This is just scratching the surface of what can be done.

Shortly, we will be ready to go with Digital Indirect bracketing, Perio Protect contouring, and many other exciting advancements to help us provide you with the best fitting appliances, made to the highest quality standards and delivered on time to your office.  We are making the investment isn time, training and resources to continue to be the premier lab for all your dental appliance needs. Count on us to stay on top of the fast-changing technology just as we have since Grandpa made his first set of braces.

HOW TO FIND US:

I hope you have enjoyed my Blog.  I plan on posting a new one at least once a month.  Please check our website at OhlendorfApplianceLab.com for new Blog posts.  You can also be notified by following us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram at Ohlendorf Appliance Lab.  You can search for us, find us and then follow us. It’s that simple to stay up to date.

If you enjoyed this Blog, please share it with a friend that you think might enjoy it.  I would appreciate your help to spread the word about our Lab to as many people as possible.

Please let me know if there is a specific topic you would like me to address.  Your input on the content of the Blog would be very helpful.

Thanks
Kevin Ohlendorf
President

The post Where We Came From, Where We Are Now, Where We Are Going appeared first on Ohlendorf Appliance Labs.

The true Groper pediatric partial appliance features
metal pads for extra strength and durability.

The well-known Groper pediatric partial bridge is a space maintainer for children who have lost anterior teeth prematurely. It was first introduced in the 1980s and gained popularity among dentists due to its many benefits and durability.(1) However, recently the Groper has become a source of confusion for dentists, as some dental labs are now offering a different version of the appliance, and some dentists are fabricating them on their own. As a result, dentists and dental assistants are often surprised to find that from one lab to another, the Groper can look different, be constructed of different materials, and have different lifespans.

At the annual meeting and expo for the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), dozens of dentists visiting our booth (Ohlendorf Appliance Laboratory) asked why some Groper appliances don’t last as long as others. They also wanted to see what my company’s version looks like. What we learned is that many dentists are ordering a different version of the Groper that doesn’t feature its most important element—the Groper pads.

This article will address the differences in today’s Groper appliances and discuss the benefits of the appliance.

The pseudo or imitation Groper appliance is more prone to breakage because it lacks reinforcing pads.

The benefits of a Groper appliance

The Groper appliance can hold open space for a single missing tooth or as many as four missing teeth (upper and lower) that have been lost due to accident, dental caries, or illness. The Groper functions both aesthetically, improving the child’s appearance, and as a preventive treatment by proactively preserving an open space to avert arch length loss and the resulting crowding. The Groper also restores function and allows maxillary growth. As a fixed rather than removable appliance, the Groper is less likely to break and doesn’t require the child’s cooperation.(2)

The Groper supports speech development in young children who have lost maxillary anterior teeth. Because the tongue uses the lingual sides of these teeth for certain phonic sounds such as “s,” “z,” and “th,” the absence of these teeth often results in improper speech.(3) While one study found that early loss of incisors had no long-term effects on speech, most dentists consider the Groper helpful in that it allows a child to communicate as he or she did before the tooth loss, which reduces frustration.(4)

Using a space maintainer such as the Groper also prevents improper tongue function. Leaving the space open, patients cannot create proper suction for swallowing and speech, so they compensate with tongue thrusting. This can lead to anterior open bites and a narrowing of the upper arch.

Another big advantage of the Groper is the social and emotional impact that a partial bridge can provide a child. Children, even those of preschool age, are aware of their appearance and can feel embarrassed or self-conscious about gaps that may last for several years until the adult teeth erupt. It’s important to choose a Groper appliance that features fully functional, realistic-looking teeth.

Acrylic resin is the preferable material over a composite because the teeth will not stain. In addition, the acrylic resin teeth are available in all shades on the Universal Shade Guide so they can be matched to a child’s natural teeth.

A broken imitation Groper.

What’s a true Groper and how is it different?

The original or true Groper is a durable, fixed appliance designed to last until a child’s adult teeth begin to erupt. This might mean as many as two or three years, depending on the age of the child when he or she was first fitted with this custom appliance. The strength and durability of the appliance is due to its construction—each prosthetic tooth is individually attached to a metal pad that is laser welded to the palatal wire.

Some of the pseudo versions that are being labeled Groper are much less durable than a true Groper because they do not feature the pads. Instead, the appliance is simply fabricated with a wire that is adhered to the back of the prosthetic teeth. This type of appliance breaks easily, sometimes after as few as two months of use.

The Groper can be made with bands or stainless steel crowns, depending on the doctor’s preference. It can be anchored on deciduous molars or first permanent molars if these are erupted enough to band.

Conclusion

Dentists should be aware of the differences between the true Groper Pedo Partial and imitations. The most easily discerned difference is that the true Groper features an individual pad for each tooth that is laser welded to the lingual wire for additional strength. While these pads may be small, they make a big difference in terms of strength, durability, and longevity.

References

1. Jasmin JR, Groper JN. Fabrication of a more durable fixed anterior esthetic appliance. ASDC J Dent Child. 1984 Mar-Apr;51(2):124-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6585380 Accessed August 1, 2016.
2. Waggoner WF, Kupietzky A. Anterior esthetic fixed appliances for the preschooler: considerations and a technique for placement. Pediatr Dent. 2001;23:147–50. [PubMed]
3. Fymbo L. The relation of malocclusion of the teeth to defects of speech. Arch Speech. 1936;1:204–16.
4. Gable TO, Kummer AW, Lee L, Creaghead NA, Moore LJ. Premature loss of the primary maxillary incisors: Effects on speech production. J Dent Child. 1995;62:173–79. [PubMed]

As seen on Dentistry IQ
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The post How Can Dental Professionals Tell the Difference Between Real and Impostor Groper Pedo Partials? appeared first on Ohlendorf Appliance Labs.