How To Make a Retainer

Original Model This model is made from an impression taken of the patient's mouth. It is trimmed to the shape you see by a special grinder.
Wire Work The first step is to bend the wire clasps and springs by hand to fit the model. This involves various wire sizes and possibly some soldering.
Unfinished Acrylic At this stage a plastic material is added by an alternating powder and liquid technique. Once pressure-hardened, the acrylic is trimmed to shape. The colour and design of the retainer is the patient's choice.
Completed Retainer The acrylic and wires are highly polished and the retainer is then disinfected for delivery to the patient.