Question 1

What Are Vivera Retainers?

Accepted Answer

Vivera retainers are clear retainers used to protect the results of Invisalign treatment. They look like Invisalign aligners and are made of the same premium-grade SmartTrack material, but they are designed to keep teeth in place, not move them. They are thicker than Invisalign aligners because they are designed for long-term use: a single set can last for several years when cared for properly. Vivera retainers are sparklingly clear, easy to clean, and come in a set with multiple back-ups, so you can trade them out when they stretch, break, or get lost. They’re built to be up to 30% more durable than other clear retainers.

Question 2

Why Do You Need Retainers?

Accepted Answer

You need retainers because, without them, your teeth will move back out of alignment. This is not because your orthodontist did a bad job with the Invisalign: it’s because your teeth spent many years in their incorrect positions, and it takes a long time to 'convince them' to stay put! Retainers are used for the retention phase of treatment: they keep the results of your treatment in place, so the teeth don’t shift back. For the first 6 months to a year after treatment, you’ll wear them full-time, and then you can switch to wearing them a few nights a week. Regular nightly wear for life will help prevent the natural tendency of teeth to shift over time.

Question 3

Do I Have to Wear Retainers After My Treatment is Over?

Accepted Answer

Yes, retainers are an important and necessary part of your Invisalign treatment. Without retainers, your teeth will shift back out of alignment, and the results of your treatment will be impacted. Without retention, your teeth may shift back out of alignment entirely, requiring another round of orthodontic care to correct. Don’t waste the investment you made on Invisalign treatment by skipping out on your retainers. Luckily, Vivera retainers are extremely comfortable and convenient, and after the first 6-12 months need to be worn only at night several nights a week. Your Vivera retainers come as a series of 4 sets, top and bottom (a total of 8 retainers), so you’ll have backups whenever you need them. Nightly wear will become an easy routine, and your smile will stay healthy and shining for years to come.

Question 4

How Much Do Vivera Retainers Cost?

Accepted Answer

Depending on where you purchase your Vivera retainers, set of 4 each arch costs 800 to 1500. this includes 4 sets of top-and-bottom retainers (8 retainers total), so you’re actually paying less per retainer than other brands that provide only a single set. And because you will wear your retainers nightly for life, if possible, you will need new sets regularly. Replacement or re-stocking Vivera retainers are easy: your orthodontist keeps your digital records on file, and they’ll put a new order into Invisalign to print you a new set of retainers. No putty molds or complicated bonding; your new retainers can even be mailed to you at home, saving you a trip to the office!

Question 5

Vivera vs. Essix Retainers

Accepted Answer

Invisalign produces its own patented retainers, called Vivera retainers. Essix retainers are another form of clear retainer, made by a separate company. While both Vivera and Essix retainers are designed for the same purpose – to protect the gains of your orthodontic treatment – Essix retainers don’t offer the same patented technology as Vivera retainers.

Vivera retainers, made with Align Technology's patented SmartTrack material, offer sturdy and effective smile retention. They are up to 30% more durable than Essix retainers. This makes them a high-quality choice in the Vivera vs. Essix retainers comparison. Unlike the thinner plastic of Essix retainers, Vivera's strength means they last longer and resist breakage or bending.

Each Vivera set includes four retainers. This bulk purchase saves you money.

Proper care of these retainers is crucial for their longevity. They complement any treatment plan, including those involving lingual braces or Hawley retainers. Remember, choosing the right retainer is essential for maintaining your smile.

Book a consultation now

Question 6

How Do I Clean My Vivera Retainers?

Accepted Answer

Vivera retainers are easy to clean and maintain. Wash immediately after wearing by brushing gently with a toothbrush and warm water or dish soap. You can also soak them in mouthwash or water and Invisalign cleaning crystals for a thorough cleanse. Keep them in a case when not in use, to prevent damage or loss. Many retainers disappear thanks to curious dogs and cats looking for toys! Each set of Vivera retainers is designed to last a few years, but if it breaks or gets misshapen, or starts to feel too loose, you can switch to the next set.

Question 7

How Long Does a Vivera Retainer Last?

Accepted Answer

Vivera retainers are 30% more durable than other clear retainers. If they are well-cared for, kept clean, and stored properly when not in use, a set can last for several years. Be sure to clean thoroughly after use and store when not wearing, to make sure your retainer works properly for as long as possible.

Question 8

When Do I Need to Replace My Retainers?

Accepted Answer

Your Vivera retainers come as a series of 4 top-and-bottom sets (8 retainers total). Each set is designed to last a long time – they are up to 30% more durable than other clear retainers. If cared for properly, then, a series of 4 should last you many years. When you need new retainers, replacement is easy: your orthodontist keeps your file on hand, and simply puts in an order to Invisalign to print you a new series of aligners. If you go to a new orthodontist’s office, they will take another iTero 3D scan or putty impressions to order you new Vivera retainers.

Question 9

What Should I Do If I Lose My Retainer?

Accepted Answer

If you lose your Vivera retainer, no need to panic: simply move on to your next retainer. You can either swap to a new set of top and bottom or replace only the one you’ve lost. Unlike Invisalign aligners, all the retainers are the same because they keep your teeth in place rather than move them. If/when you run out of retainers, contact your orthodontist. They can easily use the digital records of your treatment to order you a new series of Vivera retainers from Invisalign, and even mail them to you at home.

Vivera Retainers: Cost, Durability, and Care - Video Guide

Vivera Retainers Cost?

Essix Retainers

A Vivera Retainer Last?

Replace My Retainers?

If I Lose My Retainer?