SprintRay Cloud Design offers two ways to create retainers: AI Retainer and Manual Retainer. Both allow you to directly 3D print retainers in-office without thermoforming, but each has unique settings and customization options.

AI Retainer

AI Retainer provides a fast, automated workflow for directly printable retainers, typically in under 5 minutes.

Workflow Overview

• From the treatment page, select AI Retainer.
• Select the arch (upper, lower, or both).
• Choose the fabrication method:
  • Self Print
  • Print & Ship (+$70, U.S. only, 2–4 additional days)
• Upload upper and lower scans.
  • Scans must be exported in occlusion.
  • Scans must include at least 2 mm of tissue data beyond the anterior buccal margin.
• Review your design preferences and submit.
• Receive an email when the design status changes to Needs Approval.
• Review the 3D files, request revisions if necessary, and click Approve Design.
• Once approved, send the case to Print Setup to prepare for printing.

Available Options

• Arch: Upper, Lower, or Both
• Fabrication Method: Self Print or Print & Ship
• Material: SprintRay Retainer resin (compatible only with SprintRay Retainer)
• Gingival Edge Style:
  • Straight
  • Scalloped (follows gingival peaks between teeth)
• Gingival Coverage Options:
  • 2 mm coverage
  • 1 mm coverage
  • Border at gingival margin
  • 0.6 mm away from margin
  • 1 mm away from margin 
    • Note: Negative margin offset does not work with straight margin style.
• Advanced Gingival Settings (Free for now, normally $15):
  • Set different gingival styles for buccal vs lingual edge (straight or scalloped).
• Thickness:
  • Thin (~0.6 mm)
  • Standard (~0.7 mm)
  • Thick (~0.8 mm)
• Tightness/Retention:
  • Less tight
  • Standard (recommended)
  • More tight
• Undercut Blockout:
  • Light
  • Moderate
  • Heavy
• Label: Up to 5 characters

Additional Notes: Provide details or instructions to guide the AI.

Manual Retainer

Manual Retainer design is completed by SprintRay’s expert design team. This option offers all the features of AI Retainer, plus advanced customization.

Workflow Overview

1. From the treatment page, select Manual Retainer.
2. Select arch, fabrication method, and design preferences.
3. Upload scans (same requirements as AI Retainer).
4. Submit your case with any additional notes.
5. Designers will prepare your retainer and send back a preview.
6. Review the design, request revisions if needed, or click Approve Design.
7. Once approved, send to Print Setup or select Print & Ship.

Available Options

All options from AI Retainer are available, plus:

• Bracket Removal:
  • Designers can digitally remove brackets from the scan.
  • +$20
• Design Missing Teeth in Retainer:
  • Add temporary replacements for missing teeth.
  • Creates a removable clear partial.
  • +$15 per tooth

Key Tips

• AI Retainer is faster, delivering designs in under 5 minutes, but Manual Retainer allows for advanced customization.
• Always upload scans in occlusion and include 2 mm of tissue data beyond the anterior buccal margin for best results.
• Scalloped gingival edges provide a more natural look, while straight edges simplify trimming and finishing.
• Thicker retainers (~0.8 mm) offer more durability, while thinner retainers (~0.6 mm) are more comfortable.
• Undercut blockout helps with insertion/removal:
  • Light = maximum fit/retention
  • Heavy = easiest insertion
• For cases with brackets or missing teeth, always use Manual Retainer to take advantage of advanced options.