Why I Use Iconic Lux Retainer Material: Insights from Sean Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The clear orthodontic retainer, sometimes called an Essix®* retainer, has long been an essential part of patient aftercare. Whether you're new to fabricating retainers or already experienced, you’ve likely asked: “What sets one material apart from another? Aren’t they all pretty similar?" This is a valid question and the answer is no, thermoform material properties vary. Experienced retainer providers understand choosing the right material can significantly improve patient compliance, reduce fractures, and reduce processing times.

In this article, we explore key factors to consider when selecting high-quality retainer material. Plus, we are delighted to share insights from Sean Thompson, Founder of Ashford Orthodontics, and now CEO of Retainers4Life. Sean reveals why he chose Iconic Lux for his premium retainer brand, OrthoGold, and what makes Iconic Lux stand out from the crowd.

If you're attending IDS this year, don’t miss the chance to see Iconic Lux in action with live demos and tips and tricks led by Thermoforming Expert and Speaker Shae Chauhan! Visit us at stand GO18, hall 4.2, to discover the full Iconic Thermoforming Range and learn why dental professionals are making the switch—and staying with Iconic.

What to look for in a retainer material:

When navigating the plethora of brands promising the smoothest workflow and optimum patient comfort, it’s a challenge to discern which is best. Not all materials are made equal, so consider the following …

Material Strength and Flexibility

Look for retainer materials that balance rigidity and flexibility, offering durability without sacrificing comfort. This is especially important for patients with bruxism or have a history of retainer breakages. Adult patients with deep undercuts will benefit from extra flexibility in order to assist removal.

Patient Comfort

A thermoformed retainer should be as comfortable as possible for long term wear, with no obstacles to patient compliance. No one likes the “plasticky” effect when biting down, so find a material with soft occlusion properties like Iconic Lux.

Aesthetic Appeal

Clear thermoformed retainers are popular for their invisible appearance, yet they vary in degrees of clarity. Naturally, the patient’s retainer cleaning routine is key, however choosing a material that is resistant to staining and discoloration helps keep the retainer brilliantly clear, clean and fresh looking.

Optimal Finishing Properties

You’ll need your material to be easy to cut and finish, using cutters and polishing tools to buff and smooth away sharp edges that might irritate patients’ soft tissues. When it comes to finishing times, choose a material that makes processing as quick and stress free as possible. Choosing a thermoform material with a heat-resistant barrier film, reduces processing times as there is no need to insulate the model - guaranteeing maximum clarity every time.

Why I choose Iconic Lux Retainer Material: Insights from Sean Thompson

Sean Thompson, Dental Technology Expert, and CEO of Retainers4Life says, “During my 25 years running Ashford Orthodontics, we had numerous requests for a premium thermoplastic material, and after sampling many well-known branded materials, our ‘go-to’ premium material of choice was Iconic Lux. It has unrivalled data to back up this choice, but the proof of the pudding is always in the eating, so we judged it by the tiny amount of remakes we were ever asked to do by either the clinic or the patient. Since retiring from Ashford 4 years ago, and subsequently taking up my current role as CEO of Retainers4Life, I saw no reason not to continue with Iconic Lux. As part of the rigorous testing of the product, patients were asked to ‘blind test’ random samples of retainers, from different trimming options and different 3D printing techniques, as well as for comfort & clarity, speech ability etc, and on every occasion Iconic Lux was the retainer material of choice.”

Iconic Lux: An Overview:

Excellent Impact strength.
Greater resistance to fracture and proven for long-term wear.
Soft occlusion properties.
Increased patient comfort.
Brilliantly clear.
Resistant to staining and discolouration.
Supplied with easy-peel protective film for reduced production times.

Iconic Lux premium retainer material is part of DB Orthodontics Iconic thermoform product range, which also includes equipment and finishing accessories. Iconic Lux was developed using the latest polymer technology. It possesses increased flexibility and a greater resistance to fracture which means greater patient compliance and longer wear times. Furthermore, Iconic Lux doesn’t have a plasticky bite sensation; a big plus for patient comfort.

Elevate Your Retainer Fabrication Techniques attend a Iconic Thermoforming Masterclass

By choosing high-quality materials like Iconic Lux, that prioritise comfort, aesthetics and workflow efficiency, you can excel in delivering high quality clear thermoformed retainers.

With the right training and guidance in thermoforming, you are truly onto a winning combination.