Has retainer-making technology improved at all?

May 30, 2018 7:27 PM

After my retainer finally broke after several years of use, I had my dentist make me a new one that fit kind of funny, like it wasn't molded to my teeth correctly. I had her adjust it many times but it still doesn't feel right and she seems to have given up on it. I think I'd like to get an orthodontist to do one instead, and I'm wondering if there's better technology out there now than the putty impression, like scanning the mouth or something, that I can ask about.
posted by madonna of the unloved to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

If you've been using a Hawley retainer, you might want to look into an Essix. It's still the putty mold method, but my Essix is far more comfortable than my Hawley ever was, as well as far more difficult to break.
posted by Iris Gambol at 7:39 PM on May 30, 2018

Best answer: I’m getting my adult braces on tomorrow and yes, i was so relieved to learn that there is indeed new technology out there to replace those molds. When i went for my records they had a handheld camera set up that was used to take photos of each of my teeth from a couple angles each and then built out a 3D model on screen. No idea of the name or anything more than the fact that it’s purpose is to replace the old process with the goop (i asked about this), but i was so happy they’ve made improvements! I do know some places still use the old methods though, so you may have to ask around for a office that uses this tech.
posted by cgg at 8:02 PM on May 30, 2018 [1 favorite]

Last year, my doctor did both -- photos, and the molds.
posted by Iris Gambol at 8:04 PM on May 30, 2018

Best answer: Yes indeed, digital imaging now exists for teeth. My orthodontist just called it a 3d scan. It wasn't like, the most pleasant experience having a long plastic camera wand in my mouth, but it was still far better than gagging around one of those putty molds, ugh. I think the scanning took about 20 minutes. I have had no problems fitting my retainers into my mouth.
posted by janepanic at 10:47 PM on May 30, 2018

Best answer: I got Invisalign about 4 years ago, now have an Essix retainer that fits well, and my orthodontist 3d scanned my teeth using an iTero scanner. It's still an awkward process but I agree that it's way better than the putty!
posted by kiripin at 9:56 AM on May 31, 2018