With malocclusion being a significant cause of social anxiety, orthodontic treatment can be lifechanging for so many. However, orthodontic treatment does not stop when the fixed appliance is removed, but rather, extends to the ongoing retainer-use years after. Retention remains one of the most vital elements of orthodontic treatment; just a few days without wearing designated retainer appliances can jeopardise the entirety of the correction process – wasting time and expenses.
Traditionally, the fabrication of clear retainers would take days to weeks, with a tedious, multi-step process – from taking impression and thermoforming plastic over printed models to tweaking and finishing, before being transported from the laboratory. This workflow can be incredibly time-consuming, resource-heavy, and dependent on multiple individuals and pieces of equipment.
A new era for retention
SprintRay has changed this all… significantly. Clinicians can now directly print retainers in under 60 minutes. The ground-breaking SprintRay Retainer resin, powered by the SprintRay Pro 2 3D printer, streamlines the production of biocompatible clear retainers end-to-end in a revolutionary workflow.
The remarkable resin is formulated for not only a translucent, outstanding fit and finish, but for absolute strength too, ensuring patients satisfaction across the board. Being crystal clear supports patient compliance, encouraging them to wear the retainer more frequently, as it offers greater comfort for daily wear by blending seamlessly with natural dentition – enhancing confidence.
The mechanical properties of the resin deliver excellent flexibility and resilience, ensuring that the retainers can be used routinely with upper and lower guard designs available.
The magnificent 7
The workflow consists of seven simple steps, requiring minimal training and easily completed in-house, meaning no need to outsource to laboratories.
The straightforward protocol is as follows:
- Capture data:
Begin by performing a full upper and lower scan of the patient to capture their digital anatomy using your intraoral scanner. Ensure every intricacy is captured, and export the scans as STL files with the upper and lower arch in occlusion – ready for submission to the SprintRay workflow. - SprintRay Cloud Design:
Upload the scan files to SprintRay Cloud Design where all you need is a computer with WiFi, patient data, and an account. SprintRay AI automatically generates a retainer design in a few minutes, based on the patient anatomy. In the unlikely event that you are unhappy with the design you can rescan and resubmit. - Create a print job:
Once the retainer design has been approved digitally, it can be imported into RayWare Cloud, finalised, and sent to the SprintRay Pro 2.
- Print:
Prepare and start the print job following the SprintRay protocol
- Wash:
Using a SprintRay wash device, wash the appliance following the recommended protocol to remove any uncured resin, then dry. - Cure and cool:
Post-cure the appliance in a compatible SprintRay curing unit such as the NanoCure to achieve the ideal mechanical properties and biocompatibility for the patient requirements and for intraoral use. Once the retainer has finished curing, remove the appliance, and let it cool for 6 minutes. - Finish and deliver:
Remove supports carefully and perform any minimal finishing required.
Beyond efficient
One of the most remarkable advantages of the SprintRay Retainer is the ability to complete the entire workflow during the same clinical appointment as the impressions are taken. This rapid turnaround improves patient satisfaction insurmountably whilst reducing administrative burden and chair time. Another exceptional aspect is that when patients require urgent replacements, reduced wait times minimise orthodontic relapses and patient anxiety surrounding the unknown fate of their alignment.
Beyond streamlining procedures, SprintRay’s direct 3D-printed retainers enhance predictability in fit due to AI support. Furthermore, material waste is reduced, and post-processing is simplified immensely with fewer steps and less excess.
Innovation with SprintRay
The future of retention lies nowhere but with SprintRay. Practices having the ability to offer patients a same-day solution sets them miles apart from others that are offering the bare minimum of multiple week-long turnarounds. Not only are patients happier, but staff too, as workflows are simplified and clinical outcomes become more consistent and predictable. Position your practice at the forefront of digital dentistry, choose SprintRay.
To learn more about Sprintray’s 3D printing solutions or to request a demonstration visit: sprintay.com/en-uk
