Focus on Retainers

Ribbond offers Ribbond® reinforcement fibers that prevent fractures in composite resins. Ribbond postorthodontic fixed retainers are easy to make, strong, aesthetic, and comfortable. Simply adapt the Ribbond into a thin layer of composite on the teeth, cure, cover with a thin layer of composite, and cure again. Ribbond is durable, has no memory, and does not rebound when placed.

For more information, contact Ribbond, 1402 Third Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98101; (800) 624-4554; www.ribbond.com.

Ortho Organizers Inc offers Direct Bond Lingual Retainer Wires. Formed from three tightly wound stainless-steel filaments, the .032-inch wire does not unravel when cut, while the surface contours of the spiral allow the wire to bond directly to the lingual teeth without a need for bonding pads or end loops. The twist in the wire facilitates long-term stability with physiological tooth movement and can be cut in any length desired. It can also be bonded with composite resin at each end or to any combination of teeth within the segment. Direct Bond Lingual Retainer Wires are available in 7-inch lengths in packs of 20.

For more information, contact Ortho Organizers Inc, 1619 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078; (800) 547-2000; www.orthoorganizers.com.

Glenroe Technologies introduces retainer cases that have a long-lasting scent molded directly into each case to hide retainer odor while providing heavy-duty storage protection. Glenroe offers two-piece retainer cases, one-piece retainer cases, and the Econo-Lock retainer cases, all of which feature a positive-locking system to prevent accidental opening. The hinges are repeatedly tested during manufacturing to ensure strength and durability. All cases provide enough space for the retainer, thus preventing breakage when closing, but are small enough to fit into a pocket or purse. They are available in several bright colors for high visibility to prevent misplacement.

For more information, contact Glenroe Technologies, 1912 44th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34203; (800) 237-4060; www.glenroe.com.

Ortho-Tain™ offers the Interim-G® preformed retainer, which is used to effectively retain phase I and phase II orthodontic corrections such as overbite, overjet, crowding, spacing, and rotations. The retainers are used during the exchanging of teeth in the mixed dentition, regardless of the number of deciduous or permanent teeth present. Interim G is available in clear as well as in five assorted colors.

For more information, contact Ortho-Tain, 950 Green Bay Rd, Suite 205, Winnetka, IL 60093; (800) 541-6612; www.ortho-tain.com.

Myofunctional Research introduces the MyobraceTM retainer, which uses high-tech design characteristics to align the anterior dentition and the mandible into a Class I relationship. The flexible appliance features individually-sized tooth slots and DynamicoreTM, which enables controlled arch development, in addition to myofunctional training characteristics from the MRC Trainer System™.

For more information, contact Raintree Essix, 4001 Division St, Metairie, LA 70002; (800) 883-8733; www.essix.com.

GAC International Inc introduces NeoFormTM retainers, which are used for protection, retention, and tooth movement with Hilliard Thermopliers. Each sheet has a 3-D molded archform shape that provides uniform thickness around the entire model after forming, eliminating the thin spots found in traditional plastic sheets, which can lead to crazing and failure. The patented design makes NeoForm retainers strong and wear-resistant. NeoForm retainers are available in either square or round .040-inch sheets.

For more information, contact GAC International Inc, 355 Knickerbocker Ave, Bohemia, NY 11716; (800) 645-5530; www.gacintl.com.

Masel introduces the LBB™, the Lombardi Bionator Bite Appliance, which minimizes the negative effects of clenching and grinding that interfere with orthodontic treatment. The LBB opens the bite, protects occlusion, reduces breakage, and aids in the treatment of TMJ disorders to facilitate tooth movement. The one-piece, patent-pending appliance features a flexible channel design that fits loosely over anterior sextants; a flexible hinge that applies gentle pressure in opposite, bite-opening directions; and an anterior occlusal plane that provides protection for upper and lower anterior teeth. It includes a protective case and patient instructions.

For more information, contact Masel, 2701 Bartram Rd, Bristol, PA 19007; (800) 423-8227; www.maselortho.com.

Space Maintainers Laboratory introduces the QCM Retainer, which features a clear, flat, labial portion that replaces the typical stainless-steel wire. It is made from an organic polymer that is closely contoured to the labial surfaces of all anterior teeth. The QCM Retainer can be fabricated with an open-palate modification, allowing the tongue to have a natural feeling against the hard palate and offering additional comfort and patient compliance.

For more information, contact Appliance Therapy Group, 9129 Lurline Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311; (800) 423-3270; www.appliancetherapygroup.com.

Gold’n Braces Inc offers 14-inch straight-length round wires plated in a proprietary 24k plate. Sizes from .026 through .040 allow a full range of uses from standard retainers to functional appliances. Due to the wire’s exceptional biocompatibility, it has proven to be the choice for making lingual retainers by many practioners around the world. Gold’n Braces Inc and Dr Paul Duryea have worked closely with Dr Bjorn Zachrisson in the production of the .0215 ZMRW wire. Dr Zachrisson has used this penta wire extensively in his lingual bondable retainers. The durability of this gold-plated wire has proven itself with more than 10 years of successful clinical use.

For more information, contact Gold’n Braces Inc, 2595 Tampa Rd, Suite I, Palm Harbor, FL 34684-3131; (800) 785-1970; www.goldnbraces.com.

TP Orthodontics Inc offers CrossLink® band cement in disposable capsules. CrossLink is a no-mix, light-activated, glass ionomer cement that contains fluoride to control decalcification under the bands during extensive treatment. It eliminates excessive waste and cross-contamination between patients. The narrow-tipped design helps accurately dispense adhesive directly into the molar bands. CrossLink is available in two sizes and in either blue or natural colors. Small CrossLink caplets fill a single molar band, while large caplets contain sufficient cement for four bands.

For more information, contact TP Orthodontics Inc, 100 Center Plaza, La Porte, IN 46350-9672; (800) 348-8856; www.tportho.com.

Dynaflex® offers QCM Clear Bow Retainers, which may be used for upper and lower arches. QCM retainers are crystal clear and are guaranteed not to stain or discolor. The clear, plastic labial bow is heated at the laboratory and is closely contoured and adapted to each of the facial surfaces of the anterior teeth. The QCM labial bow can be reheated for further detailing.

For more information, contact Dynaflex, PO Box 142399, St Louis, MO 63114; (314) 426-4020; www.dynaflex.com.

Tru-Tain offers the Tru-Tain clear plastic retainer, which is durable and features stable retention. It is comfortable, aesthetic, and easy to fabricate. Also, it is thin, yet strong enough to maintain adequate pressure without encroaching on the freeway space with detrimental effects.

For more information, contact Tru-Tain, 225 Fifth Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902; (800) 843-0904; www.tru-tain.com.

G&H Wire introduces the everStick® ORTHO glass-fiber retainer, a new concept in bonded lingual retention. The retainer incorporates hundreds of glass fiber strands bound together with a preimpregnated, light-cured adhesive. Both malleable and tacky, it can be adapted directly in the patient’s mouth. It can also be positioned to minimize occlusal interference yet ensure stability and longevity in a fixed-retention appliance. Each kit contains two 12-cm strands per box.

For more information, contact G&H Wire, PO Box 248, Greenwood, IN 46142; (800) 526-1026; www.ghwire.com.

Inman Orthodontic laboratories offers the Inman Aligner, which controls continuous movement of teeth over a greater distance than conventional spring retainers. The Inman Aligner is fabricated as a standard (upper and lower), a fixed bow (upper and lower), a crossbite, and a habit-fixer appliance.

For more information, contact Inman Orthodontic Laboratories, 9381 W Sample Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33065-9962; (800) 289-0118; www.inmanortho.com; or Great Lakes Orthodontics, 200 Cooper Ave, Tonawanda, NY 14150; (800) 828-7626; www.greatlakesortho.com.

Accutech Orthodontic Lab Inc offers the Maxillary Accutech Comfort Retainer (ACR), which is intended for patients who have difficulty speaking with a standard acrylic palate or those who have a severe gag reflex. The bulk of the palatal acrylic is eliminated, and a horseshoe design is substituted. A strip of a special reinforcing material is incorporated into the acrylic to prevent breakage.

For more information, contact Accutech Orthodontic Lab Inc, 4012 Raintree Rd, Suite 120B, Chesapeake, VA 23321; (800) 734-7855; www.accutechortho.com.

Raintree Essix introduces Essix ACETM thermoforming plastic, which is clear and rigid, with strength comparable to Essix C+®. ACE accepts bonding materials and is guaranteed not to bubble. It is wear-resistant and latex-free. ACE is available in 0.030-inch, 0.035-inch, and 0.040-inch thicknesses; and in 5-inch squares, 125-mm squares, 125-mm circles, 120-mm circles, and 134-mm circles.

For more information, contact Raintree Essix, 4001 Division St, Metairie, LA 70002; (800) 883-8733; www.essix.com.

Ortho Technology Inc offers retainer cases with mirrors. The cases feature integrated, metal-reinforced hinges and can be used for a variety of orthodontic products, including Hawley retainers, invisible aligners, invisible retainers, bleaching trays, nightguards, TMJ splints, and elastics. The mirror helps the patient fit retainers more accurately for effective retention and makes placing elastics easy. The smooth, rounded, compact design makes the case small enough to carry in a pocket, and the secure, snap-tight closure ensures that the case stays shut. The ventilated lid allows air to flow freely inside the compartment, keeping appliances moisture-free and more hygienic.

For more information, contact Ortho Technology Inc, 17401 Commerce Park Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647; (800) 999-3161; www.orthotechnology.com.

Dentaurum Inc offers Dent-O-Cryl®, a two-component, cold-cured acrylic for orthodontic appliances. Its two components—Dent-O-Cryl powder (polymer) and Dent-O-Cryl liquid (monomer)—are easy to process. The use of different colors permits simple and economical fabrication of individualized orthodontic appliances. The resins can be used for both the spraying and molding technique.

For more information, contact Dentaurum Inc, 10 Pheasant Run, Newtown, PA 18940; (800) 523-3946; fax (215) 968-0809; [email protected]; www.dentaurum.com.

Parklund Labs Inc offers Hawley Retainers, which are available with four clasping choices that include Ball, Arrow, Adam and C-Clasps. Hawley Retainers are available in 32 colors, six designs, and in a variety of acrylic thickness and trimming styles. Parklund Labs Inc offers prescriptions, shipping boxes, and labels at no charge.

For more information, contact Parklund Labs Inc, 4 Abbott Place, Millbury, MA 01527; (800) 742-9539.

Specialty Appliances offers a complete line of retainers, spring retainers, metal appliances, Herbst appliances, splints, and indirect bonding services. The company also offers a variety of retainer designs for finishing and retaining cases.

For more information, contact Specialty Appliances, 4905 Hammond Industrial Dr, Cumming, GA 30041; (800) 522-4636; www.specialtyappliances.com.

ClassOne® Orthodontics offers an assortment of unique and colorful retainer cases in color schemes including sparkle, glow, turtle, and tropical. A cell phone and patriotic design are also available.

For more information, contact ClassOne Orthodontics, 5064 50th St, Lubbock, TX 79414; (800) 343-5291; www.classoneortho.com.

Johns Dental Laboratories offers a free color chart of retainer designs. Custom images, according to the company, can help promote the practice. Most retainers can be made in 3 days by writing “3-Day Hawley” on the order.

For more information, contact Johns Dental Laboratories, 423 S 13th St, Terre Haute, IN 47807; (800) 457-0504; www.johnsdental.com.