1 · MAKE
Microbes make PHA.
They ferment simple sugars into a polymer they naturally store for energy.
moses
The Unplastic Retainer guide in 2 minutes
Part with plastic.
Most clear retainers are made from PETG plastic, which can shed tiny particles as it wears. The Unplastic Retainer by moses is made from PHA and custom-fit from your dental scan.
See if I can switchIndependently tested by
Material testing
Contaminant testing
Custom fit from your dental scan
Free of all additives and plasticizers
Third-party screened for contaminants
Concierge team gets your dental scan
Breaks down into a molecule your body can process
Made from PHA, not petrochemicals
How many particles can a plastic retainer shed?
Your retainer spends thousands of hours in your mouth every year. Over time, heat, saliva, and abrasion cause plastic to wear down and tiny pieces to break off.
Our simulated wear study at the University at Buffalo testing facility
In our simulated wear study, PETG retainers released tiny plastic particles. Based on that test, a year of similar wear could release about 118,000 detectable particles.
Estimated U.S. adult intake~100,000microplastic particles eaten and inhaled per year
Our simulated wear study~118,000estimated annual release from a PETG retainer under similar test conditions
A plastic retainer may be another source of microplastic exposure.
What happens next?
In a separate lab study, we simulated a gut environment and PHA digested completely within a few weeks. PETG barely degraded in the same timespan.
The moses concierge team
Your retainer starts with a dental scan. We’ll help you get it.
Remember the small wand your dentist or orthodontist moved around your teeth? It makes a 3D scan. We use that scan to make your retainer fit.
Not sure you have a scan? You can still start. We’ll sort it out after you order.
Already have one?
With your permission, we’ll ask your dental office to send it to us.
Need a new one?
We’ll book a scan at a partner practice and cover the cost.
How it works
1
Check your fit
Tell us about your current retainer.
2
Choose your retainer
Pick a subscription or one-time purchase.
3
We get your scan
We request it or book a new one.
4
Your retainer ships
We make it to fit and send it to you.
What is PHA?
A better material for your nightly habit.
Most clear retainers use PETG. The Unplastic Retainer uses PHA, a polymer microbes produce from sugar through fermentation.
See if I can switch
Stainless steel case included with subscription; sold separately with one-time orders.
2 · SHAPE
We shape it to your teeth.
We purify the PHA, form it into thin discs, then shape it over a model of your teeth. No added plasticizers, colorants, or stabilizers.
3 · CHECK
We verify each batch.
We check the material’s properties, and independent labs screen for manufacturing contaminants.
Hear from customers who switched to moses.
★★★★★
“It fits comfortably, feels well made, and is easy to wear and clean.”
michelle · Verified Customer
★★★★★
“They took care of all the legwork by contacting my dentist to get my official scans.”
Lauren V.
★★★★★
“It’s comfortable, well made, and much more pleasant to wear every night than the traditional retainers I’ve used before.”
Lia X. · Verified Customer
★★★★★
“I love these new retainers.”
YinQi X. · Verified Customer
★★★★★
“I know what’s going into my body now.”
Carter D. · Verified Customer
A FEW USEFUL ANSWERS
Before you start.
Can I order if my old retainer no longer fits?
A retainer holds teeth in place; it doesn’t straighten them. If your teeth have shifted, your dentist or orthodontist can tell you whether you need more treatment before a new retainer. If you’re still in braces or aligners, we need a scan taken after treatment ends.
Do I need a dental scan before I order?
No. With your permission, we’ll ask your provider for an existing scan. If it isn’t available, we’ll book a new scan at a partner practice and cover the cost.
Can I buy once instead of subscribing?
Yes. A one-time order includes one pair. The annual subscription includes two pairs delivered six months apart, a stainless steel Travel Case, and unlimited replacements for damaged or lost retainers. The case is sold separately with a one-time order.
When will my retainer ship?
We ship within five business days after we receive a usable scan. If you need a new scan, booking it will add time.
What if my new retainer doesn’t fit?
Every retainer has a 30-day fit guarantee. If it doesn’t fit right, we’ll remake it at no charge.
Will it break down while I’m wearing it?
It’s made to keep its shape during normal wear, and we recommend replacing it every six months. Our digestion study used a simulated gut, which is different from wearing a retainer in your mouth.
Still have a question? Email the moses team.