| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0123 |
| Type | retention |
| Category | retention |
| Fixed/removable | fixed (bonded) |
| Primary function | permanent fixed lingual retention |
| Material | 0.014 × 0.014 rectangular NiTi (nitinol) |
| Inventor | Pascal Schumacher |
| Manufacturer | CA-Digital GmbH, Mettmann, Germany |
| First year | 2016 (AJODO publication) |
| Period | modern |
| Status | current |
Memotain is a CAD/CAM fabricated fixed lingual retainer using 0.014 × 0.014-inch rectangular nickel-titanium (NiTi) wire, digitally cut to precisely match the patient's lingual tooth anatomy. Unlike conventional multi-strand SS lingual retainers that are manually bent to approximate each tooth, Memotain is precision-fitted to eliminate interproximal gaps and minimize tongue irritation. The name blends "memory" (NiTi shape-memory) and "retainer." NiTi's superelasticity means Memotain can deliver minor tooth correction forces as a passive-active retainer — holding teeth in position while applying gentle forces. Published in AJODO in 2016; manufactured by CA-Digital in Germany.
The NiTi wire is digitally cut from a scan of the patient's post-treatment lingual tooth surfaces. Its rectangular cross-section (0.014 × 0.014) provides 3D contact with each lingual surface, eliminating the point contact and interproximal gaps of round multi-strand wire. Bonded to lingual surfaces with flowable composite. Shape-memory NiTi maintains its form under bending stress — if displaced by food or oral forces, it returns to its original shape. May exert light corrective forces if minor tooth drift begins, acting as a passive-active retainer.
Permanent lingual retention after orthodontic treatment; patients where conventional multi-strand wire bonding is difficult due to tight contacts or complex lingual anatomy; practices seeking a digital workflow for retainer fabrication; patients with tongue irritation from conventional retainers; any case requiring highest-precision fixed retention.
Higher cost than conventional SS multi-strand retainers; requires digital scanning workflow (intraoral scanner or stone model scan); NiTi is not adjustable chairside (no bending); fabricated externally by CA-Digital — not a lab in-house product; delivery time from German manufacturer.
Fabricated by CA-Digital GmbH (Germany) from intraoral scan or digital model data. The doctor or lab submits the scan; CA-Digital produces and ships the custom Memotain wire. Not a CFL in-house product. For CFL's conventional bonded retainer offering, see Bonded retainer and Bonded lingual retainer.
Bond-a-Braid Bonded retainer
configuration
increased stability in flared arch cases
alternative; 3×0.010" or 0.0175" coaxial wire; lower cost, more chairtime
bonds lingual without wire; more esthetic but lower durability
AJODO](https://www.ajodo.org/article/S0889-5406\(16)30889-7/fulltext)
Dentistry](https://pocketdentistry.com/memotain-a-cadcam-nickel-titanium-lingual-retainer/)
ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315982772MemotainACADCAMnickel-titaniumlingualretainer)
function, CA-Digital Germany, 2016 AJODO publication, Schumacher inventor.