The wraparound retainer has no wires going across the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. It has a circumferential labial wire (.030") that has adjustment loops in the canine area and lingual clasps in the bicuspid-molar area for added retention .
To fabricate the lingual clasps, saw a groove on the model interproximally between the first molar and bicuspid to the level of the gingiva. Place the wire (.018" Australian wire) into the depth of the groove, with a loop for retention in the acrylic on the palatal side and extending at least to the buccal surface of the teeth. Sticky wax the wires in position, and process the acrylic.
Once processed, make a small loop facing downward, bending the wire with a birdbeak plier. This loop will snap perfectly under the contact of the molar and bicuspid. This clasp is easily adjusted, extremely retentive, and inexpensive, and does not violate the occlusal surface.
Note that the patient's name and telephone number can be imprinted on the retainer by typing the information on the paper that separates the cephalometric tracing acetate sheets, and embedding the slip of paper under the acrylic.
If you have a Pearl to share with your colleagues, send it to Dr. Jerry Clark, 409 Parkway, Greensboro, NC 27401.
