| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0318 |
| Type | retention |
| Category | retention |
| Fixed/removable | removable |
| Primary function | post-treatment retention (clear thermoformed) |
| Malocclusion target | post-treatment relapse prevention |
| Inventor | Bay Materials LLC (Zendura brand) |
| First year | 2010s |
| Period | modern |
| Status | current |
| Material | medical-grade polyurethane (TPU) — proprietary |
| Estimated lifespan | 3+ years |
| Uses TADs | no |
Zendura is a proprietary medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material manufactured by Bay Materials LLC and used for thermoformed orthodontic retainers and aligners. Unlike standard PETG or Essix-type materials, Zendura's polyurethane backbone provides significantly superior crack resistance (up to 2× better than competitors), exceptional stress retention (resists deformation over time), and high clarity. The Zendura retainer is the premium tier of the clear retainer market — it is the Essix concept executed in a superior material. CFL offers Zendura (standard scalloped) and (scalloped Zendura) — a premium over the standard Essix, justified by the material's performance advantages.
Same as all thermoformed clear retainers (Essix type): the precisely fitted polyurethane tray encapsulates all tooth surfaces, maintaining them in their post-treatment positions. The difference from standard Essix is material performance over time — Zendura maintains its retentive force longer (lower stress relaxation), resists cracking at stress points (incisal edges, embrasures), and retains clarity better. This translates to longer appliance life and fewer replacements.
Any case requiring clear retention where the practice wants to offer a premium product; adult patients who value durability and clarity; patients with strong bite forces that crack standard PETG retainers; practices that market "premium retention" as part of their post-treatment care; digital workflow practices that can pair Zendura retainers with digital models for easy reorders. Zendura FLX is a slightly more flexible variant useful for patients transitioning from aligners to retention.
Premium price point — not all patients will want or afford the upgrade. Requires thermoforming equipment calibrated for polyurethane — temperature and pressure settings differ from PETG. Cannot be adjusted (wire retainers can be adjusted; Zendura cannot). Not suitable for cases requiring tooth position correction (spring retainer or wire retainer needed instead).
digital model)
Thermoforming temperature for Zendura is similar to other TPU materials but must be controlled precisely — over-heating causes material degradation; under-heating produces poor adaptation. Vacuum and pressure forming are both appropriate. Scalloped trim lines require careful trimming — the scallop must follow the gingival margin of each tooth individually to prevent gingival impingement while maintaining incisal edge contact. CFL's Zendura products: Zendura Ret Scalloped Zendura Invisible w Digital Model Included. The "Ace Plus Invisible" likely refers to the Zendura A variant.
record.
; entry-level clear.
Dental](https://www.zenduradental.com/pages/zendura-a-properties)
Remi](https://shopremi.com/blogs/night-mouth-guard-blog/zendura-retainer-material)
Lab](https://str8forwardlab.com/clear-thermoform-retainers/)
vs. PETG, business notes.