How to Order Retainers Only
Watch this video to see how to order retainers only. This is for a patient for who you have not ordered any aligners through Orthosnap.
Finishing a Case & Ordering Retainers
Considerations Before Finishing a Case
When your patient has finished the active part of treatment, a retainer should be ordered to prevent orthodontic relapse. There is always a risk of relapse, so a retention system is required to prevent this, whether a fixed lingual arch, Essex, or Hawley retainer.
First, if additional treatment is desired, consult with the patient to see if they would like to continue treatment. If so, you will create a continuation order with a new scan (or impressions) and a prescription for the additional work requested. If the result is satisfactory, we recommend discussing a long-term retention system with your patient.
Workflow for Finishing a Case
We recommend performing the following within 45 days of the last aligner step being worn:
Review the final Dental Monitoring scan.
Schedule a final evaluation to take photos/records/radiographs.
At this visit, if the patient and you agree that treatment is finished, and the patient is ready for the retention phase, you may do the following:
Remove all attachments
Equilibrate the bite with spot adjustments. Avoid this if there is still a small posterior open bite due to full-time aligner wear. This will resolve and you can equilibrate when the patient gets to part-time wear.
Perform some enameloplasty of the incisal edges to optimize their smile esthetics (if you feel comfortable performing this procedure and have patient consent).
Have the patient sign an Orthodontic Completion & Retainer Consent Form
Some doctors decide to keep the attachments on for a period of a few months as an insurance plan, if there's a high risk of relapse - that way if the patient needs to get a new set of aligners, the attachments are already in place.
If you are proud of your results, send us the records!
Next, do a thorough exam and perform all restorative and elective procedures before ordering the retainer.
Scan the teeth for retainers (or take new impressions). The patient can wear their final aligner while waiting for the retainers to arrive.
The patient should wear the retainer on the same 22-hour schedule as usual for the first 6 to 8 weeks and then change to a “night-only” schedule.
Patients can wear each retainer for 6 to 12 months before switching. Keep patient records on file for additional ordering.
This is a great time to offer a whitening system or address any white spot lesions.
💡 Note: For best results, we recommend sending new impressions. However, it’s not mandatory—we can still proceed using the final step previously provided. As long as that last fit remains accurate and comfortable, new impressions are optional, though preferred.
❓3 Ways to Order Retainers in the Orthosnap Portal
Need to order retainers? Here are three simple ways to do it.
For Patients Who Just Finished Aligner Treatment
In the Orthosnap Portal, start by locating the patient’s profile. Once there, look for the Action labeled “Order Next Aligners.”
Or on your Dashboard, click the “Create Order” button.
From there, you’ll be prompted to choose the type of order you’d like to place—whether it’s a New Patient Order, a Continuation Order, or a new patient who only wants retainers.
🆕 For Patients Who Want an Aligner Package
Note: Currently, the 4-set retainer package is only available when you select New Patient and then choose the package directly from the list.
Select the “New Order” option.
Once selected, simply follow the prompts until you reach the page where you can choose the 4-set retainer package. From there, just complete the order as you normally would.
Before submitting your case, you also have the option to add any special instructions.
🔁Continuation Order
Select the “Continuation Order” option
Choose the Next Order Type
As part of the process, you’ll be asked what type of order you'd like to place next. You can select:Aligners – the most common option for ongoing treatment
Retainers – usually selected at the end of a case
Both – if you need a combination of aligners and retainers
Specify Retainer Quantity
When using this method, doctors have the option to enter the exact number of retainers they want to order.
✨ Patients Who Want 1 Set of Retainers Only
Note: This option includes only one set of retainers by default, but you can always use the special instructions field to request a retainer package instead.
Select the “A new patient who only wants retainers” option.
Then, follow the prompts to fill in the required information. If there’s anything specific you'd like the lab to know, feel free to add special instructions before submitting your order.
From there, Orthosnap will handle everything—production, shipping, and billing—just like a standard clear aligner treatment.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to click here to contact us—we’re here to help!🌟