Indications for Use:

After Pendulum Appliance removal, it is often beneficial to place a retainer as an interim device for other mechanics. If the tissues are unduly inflamed or irritated, it’s beneficial to allow a week or two of tissue rebound to occur prior to placing a more secure anchorage appliance, such as a Quick-Nance. A clear-type retainer (slip-cover) is ideal because it can be made immediately on a Biostar machine and is easily and cheaply fabricated. It also has the benefit of not touching the palatal tissue, permitting it to heal easily. The clear retainer is also an excellent interim retention device while a Bionator or Herbst appliance is being fabricated. A Hawley retainer is also used as a retention device in Phase 1 therapy.

Figure 23. A clear retainer placed immediately after removal of Pendex appliance. Utilized when tissues are too inflamed for Quick-Nance placement or as a feeder to Bionator or Herbst ®
therapy.

Technique:

A slipcover retainer is fabricated while the patient waits in the office after appliance removal. The impression must go all the way over the first molar and touch the tissue in the interspace to prevent relapse. The patient is instructed to wear the slipcover retainer full-time until scheduled for the subsequent form of anchorage.

Considerations:

Again, compliance can be a problem. If the patient fails to wear the retainer for even a few days, the rebound of the upper first molars can be enough to keep it from fitting over the teeth. This is particularly true with the clear retainer because the adaptation to the teeth is so critical.