Why I use Iconic Lux Retainer Material: Industry Insider Article Featuring Sean Thompson
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The clear orthodontic retainer, sometimes called an Essix®* retainer, has long been an essential part of patient aftercare. Whether you're new to fabricating retainers or already experienced, you’ve likely asked: “What sets one material apart from another? Aren’t they all pretty similar?"
This is a valid question and the answer is no, thermoform material properties vary. Experienced retainer providers understand choosing the right material can significantly improve patient compliance, reduce fractures, and reduce processing times.
In this article, we explore key factors to consider when selecting high-quality
retainer material. Plus, we are delighted to share insights from Sean Thompson,
Founder of Ashford Orthodontics, and now CEO of Retainers4Life. Sean reveals
why he chose Iconic Lux for his premium retainer brand, OrthoGold, and what
makes Iconic Lux stand out from the crowd.
If you're attending IDS this year, don’t miss the chance to
see Iconic Lux in action with live demos and tips and tricks led by
Thermoforming Expert and Speaker Shae Chauhan! Visit us at stand GO18, hall
4.2, to discover the full Iconic Thermoforming Range and learn why dental
professionals are making the switch—and staying with Iconic.
When navigating the plethora of brands promising the
smoothest workflow and optimum patient comfort, it’s a challenge to discern
which is best. Not all materials are made equal, so consider the following …
Material Strength and Flexibility
Look for retainer materials that balance rigidity and
flexibility, offering durability without sacrificing comfort. This is
especially important for patients with bruxism or have a history of retainer
breakages. Adult patients with deep undercuts will benefit from extra
flexibility in order to assist removal.
Patient Comfort
A thermoformed retainer should be as comfortable as possible
for long term wear, with no obstacles to patient compliance. No one likes the
“plasticky” effect when biting down, so find a material with soft occlusion
properties like Iconic Lux.
Aesthetic Appeal
Clear thermoformed retainers are popular for their invisible
appearance, yet they vary in degrees of clarity. Naturally, the patient’s
retainer cleaning routine is key, however choosing a material that is resistant
to staining and discoloration helps keep the retainer brilliantly clear, clean
and fresh looking.
Optimal Finishing Properties
You’ll need your material to be easy to cut and finish,
using cutters and polishing tools to buff and smooth away sharp edges that
might irritate patients’ soft tissues. When it comes to finishing times, choose
a material that makes processing as quick and stress free as possible. Choosing
a thermoform material with a heat-resistant barrier film, reduces processing
times as there is no need to insulate the model - guaranteeing maximum clarity
every time.
Why I choose Iconic Lux Retainer Material: Insights from
Sean Thompson
Sean Thompson, Dental Technology Expert, and CEO of
Retainers4Life says, “During my 25 years running Ashford Orthodontics, we had
numerous requests for a premium thermoplastic material, and after sampling many
well-known branded materials, our ‘go-to’ premium material of choice was Iconic
Lux. It has unrivalled data to back up this choice, but the proof of the
pudding is always in the eating, so we judged it by the tiny amount of remakes
we were ever asked to do by either the clinic or the patient. Since retiring
from Ashford 4 years ago, and subsequently taking up my current role as CEO of
Retainers4Life, I saw no reason not to continue with Iconic Lux. As part of the
rigorous testing of the product, patients were asked to ‘blind test’ random
samples of retainers, from different trimming options and different 3D printing
techniques, as well as for comfort & clarity, speech ability etc, and on
every occasion Iconic Lux was the retainer material of choice.”
Iconic Lux: An Overview:
- Excellent Impact strength.
- Greater resistance to fracture
and proven for long-term wear.
- Soft occlusion properties.
- Increased patient comfort.
- Brilliantly clear.
- Resistant to staining and
discolouration.
- Supplied with easy-peel
protective film for reduced production times.
Iconic Lux premium retainer material is part of DB
Orthodontics' Iconic thermoform product range, which also includes equipment
and finishing accessories. Iconic Lux was developed using the latest polymer
technology. It possesses increased flexibility and a greater resistance to
fracture, which means greater patient compliance and longer wear times.
Furthermore, Iconic Lux doesn’t have a plasticky bite sensation; a big plus for
patient comfort.
Read more about Iconic Products here:
*The Essix® brand name is a registered trade mark of
Dentsply Sirona.