The Future of Retainers: Understanding What Matters Most to Patients in 2025 and Beyond
As new retainer companies continue to emerge in the industry, one key question remains: who truly understands how patients will want and desire to buy their retainers in 2025 and beyond?
In today’s business landscape, it's easy to focus solely on numbers—the ROI, the data-driven metrics, and the performance indicators that can seem so important on paper. But just because something isn’t immediately measurable doesn’t mean it isn’t real. The most powerful drivers of growth often come from deeper connections—identity, aspiration, and the emotional ties between a brand and its audience.
Take Nike, for example. Nike didn’t just sell sneakers; they sold identity, aspiration, and culture. Their customers weren’t just buying shoes—they were buying into a feeling. But when Nike shifted its focus from understanding the emotional connection their customers had to their products to prioritizing short-term, data-driven goals, it faced a massive stock price drop in June 2024, losing $25 billion in a single day. The issue wasn’t about any one external factor; it was about not understanding the deeper, intangible elements of customer loyalty.
In the retainer industry, we’re seeing similar challenges arise. Some business models look good on paper—they produce impressive recurring numbers and can show a clear path toward scalability. However, if those numbers are detached from real-world patient experiences, they may not truly reflect the needs of the people they aim to serve. These models can sometimes focus too much on the transaction, rather than the long-term connection, and miss the mark when it comes to addressing the day-to-day needs of patients and their families.
At Retainers For Life, we’ve intentionally built our business model to focus on the whole experience—the win-win-win. We understand that patients aren’t just looking for another product; they want a solution that fits seamlessly into their lives. They want convenience, affordability, and a long-term relationship that goes beyond the initial purchase. We know that successful partnerships, whether with practices or patients, stem from addressing real needs—giving each participant a true win. Our approach is designed to make sure that every part of the process, from start to finish, is aligned with the people we serve. This is why our model stands out—not just because it produces strong numbers, but because it’s built to truly meet the needs of everyone involved.
The important question isn’t just what product you’re selling—it’s about understanding who you’re serving and why they want and need it. Are you focusing on the numbers alone, or are you ensuring that each patient, practice, and team member experiences a real win?
Written by: COO, Lorraine Porto
In today’s business landscape, it's easy to focus solely on numbers—the ROI, the data-driven metrics, and the performance indicators that can seem so important on paper. But just because something isn’t immediately measurable doesn’t mean it isn’t real. The most powerful drivers of growth often come from deeper connections—identity, aspiration, and the emotional ties between a brand and its audience.
Take Nike, for example. Nike didn’t just sell sneakers; they sold identity, aspiration, and culture. Their customers weren’t just buying shoes—they were buying into a feeling. But when Nike shifted its focus from understanding the emotional connection their customers had to their products to prioritizing short-term, data-driven goals, it faced a massive stock price drop in June 2024, losing $25 billion in a single day. The issue wasn’t about any one external factor; it was about not understanding the deeper, intangible elements of customer loyalty.
In the retainer industry, we’re seeing similar challenges arise. Some business models look good on paper—they produce impressive recurring numbers and can show a clear path toward scalability. However, if those numbers are detached from real-world patient experiences, they may not truly reflect the needs of the people they aim to serve. These models can sometimes focus too much on the transaction, rather than the long-term connection, and miss the mark when it comes to addressing the day-to-day needs of patients and their families.
At Retainers For Life, we’ve intentionally built our business model to focus on the whole experience—the win-win-win. We understand that patients aren’t just looking for another product; they want a solution that fits seamlessly into their lives. They want convenience, affordability, and a long-term relationship that goes beyond the initial purchase. We know that successful partnerships, whether with practices or patients, stem from addressing real needs—giving each participant a true win. Our approach is designed to make sure that every part of the process, from start to finish, is aligned with the people we serve. This is why our model stands out—not just because it produces strong numbers, but because it’s built to truly meet the needs of everyone involved.
The important question isn’t just what product you’re selling—it’s about understanding who you’re serving and why they want and need it. Are you focusing on the numbers alone, or are you ensuring that each patient, practice, and team member experiences a real win?
Written by: COO, Lorraine Porto