You’ve worked so hard to perfect your patient’s smile—whether through braces or clear aligners. You’ve meticulously managed their midline, airway health, vertical dimension, and occlusion, all while transforming their confidence. Now, as you approach the finish line, it’s critical to transition them into retention the right way to prevent relapse, retreatment, and unhappy patients.

Set the Expectation: Retainers Are for Life

Retention begins with patient education. From day one, patients must understand that teeth will shift without consistent retainer wear. Whatever retainer type your doctor prefers—whether fixed, removable, Hawley, or Essix—patients need to recognize that wearing their retainer is a lifelong commitment.

Documentation is Key

• Photograph the Retainer in the Patient’s Mouth: Ensure it fits perfectly and save this image in their chart.
• Final Records: Take clear intraoral photos, X-rays, and facial records to document the patient’s finished case.
• Signed Consent Form: Have the patient acknowledge in writing that:
  • They understand retainer wear is for life.
  • Their retainer fits perfectly and comfortably at the time of delivery.
  • They agree to follow the doctor’s wear schedule (e.g., full-time for 6 months, then nighttime only for life).

Offer Backup Retainers

Patients should always have backup retainers to avoid preventable relapse. Consider offering them at a discounted rate to encourage proactive planning. If a patient refuses, ensure they sign an acknowledgment stating:
“I was offered a backup set of retainers at a reduced rate of XYZ to prevent relapse and have declined this recommendation.”

Schedule Their First Retainer Check Before They Leave

Never let a patient leave without booking their first retainer check appointment. Better yet, if you offer virtual retainer checks, this can free up valuable chair time while keeping your patients accountable.

Retainers Don’t Last Forever

Patients need to know that retainers wear out and will need to be replaced multiple times over their lifetime. This is why having an easy, convenient way for them to reorder retainers is key to long-term success.

Reinventing Retention with Retainers For Life

Retention can be one of the most frustrating parts of orthodontics. It often feels never-ending, with patients returning years later unhappy about relapse. These follow-ups take up valuable chair time and demand ongoing admin communication. That’s where Retainers For Life comes in!

Invest in Scheduling Coordinator Training

Your Scheduling Coordinators are the first line of defense against no-shows. By equipping them with the right communication skills and strategies, they can proactively minimize late cancellations, no-shows, and last-minute walk-ins.

If you want to take control of your schedule and reduce no-shows in your practice, join our Front Desk Success Course for expert training on patient communication, scheduling strategies, and more.

Let’s keep your practice running smoothly and efficiently!

Retainers For Life is transforming retention by offering what patients value most: efficiency, convenience, and a seamless buying experience. Patients can order retainers online and have them shipped directly to their home—just like Amazon.

For orthodontists across the U.S. and Canada, Retainers For Life eliminates the headaches of retention while generating additional revenue—without needing to acquire more patients.

•  Exceed patient expectations
•  Boost revenue
•  Set your practice apart

It’s a win-win for both doctors and patients!

Best,
~Shelley 😊
Owner, Align My Practice
https://alignmypractice.com/
shelley@alignmypractice.com
949.329.4620