Ultra-Flex Retainer compatible Reliance Ortho FlexTech retainer

Retention is an important concept in orthodontics to maintain tooth position after orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist might choose between different types of retainers such as a Hawley retainer, an Essex retainer, a permanent retainer and more. 

Ultra Flex retainer is a type of a permanent lingual retainer made of a braided wire that does not need to be bent or shaped to accommodate the anatomy of the lingual surface. This will save the clinician the time to take an impression and shape the permanent retainer on the mold to accommodate the lingual arch curvature.  

Ultra Flex is made by IOS (14-515-102) from a special medical-grade stainless wire. It will not rust or break if applied correctly.

Ultra Flex Retainer is compatible with Ortho FlexTech retainer ”TM” from Reliance orthodontic 

What are the different types of permanent retainers?  

The orthodontist has different options to choose among:  

1. Ultra flex permanent retainer. This retainer is similar to Ortho FlexTech from Reliance which is a chain retainer on a spool.
2. Braided wire retainer. This comes in straight length braided wire in two options as stainless steel and gold plated  
3. 3-3 permanent retainer. This is die cut permanent retainer that has a meshed-pad for each to tooth.  
4. 3 & 3 permanent retainer. Unlike the 3-3 permanent retainer, this type of retainer has only two pads to the rest on the canines.  

Why is Ultra Flex a Top voted permanent retainer?  

Ultra flex retainer is a next generation permanent retainer that is comparable and compatible with Ortho FlexTexh permanent retainer. However, IOS has designed its ultra Flex retainer with three unique features: 

1. Higher flexibility. Note how the wire edge is more rounded allowing more flexibility. The higher flexibility will help for a better adaptability to the lingual surface of most anterior teeth. 
2. Higher impact strength and stronger tensile strength. This gives the retainer more power to absorb forces and resist breakage for a low failure rate.  
3. Higher polished surface to minimize plaque build up.
4. Easy application for less doctor time and better patient comfort.

IOS Ultra-Flex vs Ortho FlexTech

The benefits of Ultra Flex for retention:

1. Excellent choice for retaining orthodontic corrections and preventing rotational relapses
2. Improved patient comfort as it lays flat against the bonded teeth
3. Excellent torsional strength as well as tensile strength
4. Cut laboratory costs by direct bonding the retainer (REF)
5. Less chair time for the doctor
6. will not interfere with MRI readings (REF)

How to place Ultra Flex / Ortho FlexTech retainer?  

1. Make sure the lingual surface is clean and free of any residue or attachments 
2. Cut the ultra Flex retainer to the desired length in mm using a straight cutter 
3. Etch the lingual surface for 15 seconds  
4. Rinse and Dry thoroughly 
5. Apply a thin layer of durabond from IOS or any suitable bond  
6. Apply a thin layer of flowable composite or Rely X  (REF)
7. Place the permanent retainer in place using a cotton plier and position it in the proper vertical position 

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Clinical Tips: 

• If the retainer is so flexible for you to handle; you might wet the retainer with a primer to make it less flexible 
• You might need to use bird beak pliers to make some minor bends for some special shaped teeth 
• If you have an odd shape lingual surface and you do not want to bend the retainer wire, do NOT place the composite on that tooth. Cure the other teeth first and then place the composite on the tooth and hold it in place with a fine explorer before curing it.  
• This retainer might also be used as a splint to hold traumatized teeth, periodontic invloved teeth, ... etc

Testimonial

References

Moskowitz EM, Park MB, Maestre ME. Direct bonding of Ortho Flextech lingual retainers. J Clin Orthod. 2004 Oct;38(10):554-6. PMID: 15548840.

Aizenbud, Dror et al, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with Ortho-FlexTech™ Fixed Orthodontic Retainer