OK - important stuff for comparison of Invisalign's "EX40" (.040" thick) Retainer material to Raintree's "Essix "C+" (same thickness):
EX40 is composed of "Polyurethane from methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and 1,6-hexanediol" & "Additives".
Essix C+ is "Polypropylene/Ethylene Copolymer" & "Stabilizers".
The Additives & Stabilizers are not identified, only listed as "trade secret".
Both manufacturers list the lifespan of their product as being 2 years. Noticed on the Essix C+ description in it's MSDS saying it "will not crack". Hmmmmm - interesting.
The composites may not mean a hill of beans to anyone here, but I did read that the polyproplene-based thermoplastics were "softer" than some others like PETG. Not definitive if the EX40 is included.
Should your mouth catch on fire while wearing your trays the "molten plastic can cause severe burns". So - lay off those habaneros until you remove your trays.
As to the Ecological Information - "Degradation & Persistence: This water insoluble polymeric solid is expected to be essentially un-reactive in the environment over a period of many years." looks like our trays will be around for a long, LONG time...at least for far future generations. Time capsule, anyone?
Anyways - another article with an interesting case study showing extractions & elastics to prevent subsequent tipping. The introduction is good, too:
http://www.glenroe.com/news/alignerchewiesreport.pdf
The recommendation in that particular article is to wear your last aligner as a retainer for 3 months, with any attachments still in place. Then to switch to overnight 12 hours with an Invisalign Retainer.
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9 comments:
Love your blogger site and what you have to say. I work for antibraces.com and we would love to interview you about your experience with Invisalign. Let me know if this is something you would be interested in sharing. My email is babel@antibraces.com thanks.
Thanks, babel - you're welcome to post any interview questions right here & I'll answer them right here.
I'd rather leave my private e-mail as just that... ;)
AnneC
Well Blake, after giving it further thought I'm going to graciously decline your interview.
Had a closer look at your website & it's somewhat vague motivation, making me wonder what exactly is it's intention...appears your "referral network" & private partners are of a commercial nature. My motivation here is personal & I'm not interested in promoting a commercial endeavour.
"Mess with" my answers? No need - all answers to your questions can already be found in my blog anyway. I wasn't exactly thrilled to see a quote from it posted on your website - good form would have been to ask first & it would have been appreciated.
Regards,
Anne
Blake - a company with employees funded by "about" 6 dentists offering a "special deal" for potential patients who go through your website constitutes a commercial endeavour from where I sit.
I'm not going to get into a war on words with a journalist & am in no need of free publicity - again - you could have asked (that is what I find upsetting). My blog is not even listed as public.
Maybe our intentions are similar (sort of) but the difference here is I speak of a personal experience with a specific product - & that is my only concern. Whether I have anything to gain or lose from your website's posting is a moot point.
I actually haven't come across all that many Invisalign blogs & so far only see one interview on your site.
Best of luck to you, Blake -
& you're welcome anyway.
Anne
I realize you are doing your job, Blake - no need to apologize. If you are in fact "there for the public, not the dentists" then we do share similar motives in our writing.
I think I would prefer to have my link removed. Perhaps you will consider asking permission before you post others'. No hard feelings ---
Thanks.
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