Required Supplies & Equipment
Ensure you have all the necessary supplies prepared before beginning the workflow.
| Category | Items Required |
| Hardware |
|
| Materials |
|
| Handling & Finishing |
|
| Digital/Software |
|
Appliance Design
The design phase begins in SprintRay Cloud. Cases arrive either through a direct scanner integration or via manual STL file upload. Navigate to the Print tab and select “New Print Job.”
Design Options:
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AI Design: The fastest, most streamlined workflow. Generates a clinically validated design in minutes with the ability to request revisions. Best for day-to-day cases.
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Manual Design: Ideal for complex cases requiring unique anatomy adjustments, specific aesthetic preferences, or missing teeth accommodation. Provides full control over settings like Gingival Coverage and Thickness. (Note: Increased thickness generally creates a tighter fit, while a thinner design with heavier blockout reduces tightness).
Important Scan Upload Guidelines
Your scans MUST be exported in occlusion. Both arches must be aligned in the patient’s natural bite position to accurately simulate fit. If using scanners like iTero, ensure you select ‘File Per Arch, Arches Oriented in Occlusion.’ Failure to do so will result in an improperly fitting retainer.
Review & Print
Rotate the model, inspect margins, and check thickness. Once approved, you can send it to your in-house print setup. Alternatively, you can utilize Print and Ship, where SprintRay handles the production and delivers the final appliance to your office (a great backup option if your printer is unavailable).
Print Setup
If designing with SprintRay, select 'Add to Print Job' from your design to directly add the appliance to a print job.
Setup Tip
Leave "Autopilot" on. This feature will automatically optimize support types and orient the retainer at a 20° angle facing away from the platform for best results
Review the setup before sending to print.
| Setup Step | Selection Options |
| Indication | Retainer |
| Hardware Selection |
Choose your
|
| Material Selection | SprintRay Retainer |
| Orientation |
|
| Advanced Settings (Optional) |
If manual adjustments are desired, you can toggle off Autopilot and adjust the following:
|
Once setup is complete, click 'Send to Printer', select your printer, and send the job to the queue.
Printer Preparation & Initiation
Proper printer preparation is essential to prevent print failures.
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Platform Check: Ensure the build platform is clean, free of cured resin, and has no damage (light scratches are normal). Install the platform and ensure it is locked in place.
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Resin Tank Check: Ensure the build platform is clean, free of cured resin, and has no damage. Install the resin tank and ensure it is fully seated.
- Resin Preparation: Shake the resin bottle for at least 60 seconds before pouring. Fill to the minimum line (do not exceed Max). If resin is already in the tank, stir it thoroughly and ensure it is free of cured resin. Confirm the resin is not expired!
When ready, go to the queue and press ‘Start Print’. This print job should take less than an hour. You can monitor the progress on the printer touchscreen or SprintRay Cloud.
Print Inspection and Washing
Once finished, wait for the safety lid lock to disengage. Remove the build platform and inspect the print to ensure it was successfully produced
Important IPA Note
Use clean, fresh IPA. Washing with dirty or saturated IPA leads to cloudiness, discoloration, and visible residue. Residual resin curing to the intaglio surface will negatively impact how the retainer seats on the patient. Replace IPA immediately if the system prompts you or if issues arise.
Washing Procedure
- Ensure the correct adapter for your build platform is installed in the ProWash unit
- To minimize handling of the delicate material, leave the retainer attached to the build platform and seat it into the ProWash
- Run a standard wash cycle. Wash 1 for 3 minutes, Wash 2 for 3 minutes, and Dry for 3 minutes
Drying & Appliance Removal
Drying the Retainer (Crucial Step)
This is one of the most critical steps to prevent weak, breakage-prone appliances. Fully dry any remaining IPA using compressed air. Keep the retainer attached to the build platform during this step. Work across all surfaces—especially grooves and intaglio areas. Make multiple passes until there is zero visible movement of liquid.
Removal from Platform
Hold the platform securely with one hand and use the print removal tool with the other. Do not twist or flex the retainer. Gradually work across the arch. Lift one side first, then move to the opposite side to reduce stress on the uncured, delicate appliance.
Post Curing
Note About Supports
DO NOT remove supports before curing. Removing them early places unnecessary stress and distorts the shape.
Curing Procedure
Only touch the supports when handling the retainer to prevent smudging.
- Place the retainer into the NanoCure directly on a clean glass surface (do not rest it on the supports).
- Start the cycle using the preprogrammed retainer setting.
- Allow the retainer to fully cool for a few minutes before handling to avoid distortion.
Finishing, Polishing & Delivery
Remove Supports: Once fully cooled, use a snipping tool to carefully cut the supports, starting with those connecting the anterior and posterior regions. Leave a tiny amount of material behind in delicate grooves to avoid damaging the retainer surface.
Smooth: Use a handpiece equipped with a silicone burr at low RPM to gently smooth away the remaining support nubs.
Polish: Apply mineral oil and use a cotton buff wheel with light, controlled pressure until the retainer appears smooth and glossy.
Clean: Rinse the final appliance with warm soapy water and brush away any residue with a toothbrush.
Patient Delivery: Briefly submerge the retainer in warm water to improve its flexibility right before seating it in the patient's mouth. Instruct the patient to always remove the retainer by lifting from the distal (back) ends rather than pulling on a single front point.