The present invention relates to retentive orthodontic dental appliances and methods for making same. The retentive orthodontic dental appliances of the present invention comprise structures formed on, and/or in, the tooth abutting surfaces of the base portions thereof to facilitate the bonding of the appliances to the surface of teeth with an adhesive. In embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the base portions of the appliances is substantially permeable to air and substantially impermeable to adhesive and is configured to allow air to permeate through the base portion when the appliance is being adhered to the tooth.
