This appliance is designed primarily as a final retainer to be used at the completion of any orthodontic therapy. The area over the hard palate is left free of acrylic. The tongue never loses its natural contact with the hard palate and the result is that speech remains virtually unaffected -- and there is no danger of the patient developing a deviate swallowing pattern. To reduce the possibility of fracture, the ribbon of acrylic that contacts the lingual of the anteriors is reinforced with Kevlar. Adams Clasps are used because they remain retentive over time. To prevent any unwanted tooth movement, both the clasps and the labial bow must be designed to stay out of occlusion. Note: Always send the lab both upper and lower casts along with a bite relationship for fabrication of this appliance.