Microsensor technology to help monitor removable appliance wear

Retention is routinely prescribed after orthodontic treatment to prevent relapse. Orthodontists often notice a discrepancy between what a patient reports about retainer wear and what a clinical examination shows. In these cases, is the patient misreporting wear, or is the retainer at fault? Scientific Compliance (Atlanta, Ga) has invented, patented, and produced the Smart Retainer environmental microsensor that can be easily incorporated into many types of removable orthodontic appliances to monitor compliance. The technology behind the Smart Retainer environmental microsensor is possible because of recent reductions in electronic component sizes and power requirements. A proprietary USB-powered Smart Reader uses wireless technology to download information about actual usage from the Smart Retainer. The information is decrypted and analyzed, and can be shown to the patient in easy-to-understand charts. The orthodontist can use this information to discuss actual retainer usage vs prescribed retainer usage with the patient or parent and make data-driven recommendations about future retention. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2009;135:549-51)