85 North Park Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570
(516) 763-4500
85 North Park Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570
(516) 763-4500
These retainers are made from the same premium-grade plastic as the aligners and are very comfortable, convenient, and easy to wear.
The retainers are made from a thicker material than the aligners, so they should last for years without deforming, breaking, or cracking. The clear plastic material is just as discreet as the aligners and is easy to keep clean. Usually, you will receive a set of retainers, so you always have a backup in case you lose or break a Vivera retainer, but they are very durable and are long-lasting compared with other brands of clear retainers.
After completing Invisalign treatment, retainers are used during the retention phase.
When your teeth moved during Invisalign treatment, the bone surrounding your tooth roots needed to remodel so these roots could shift to the correct positions. After completing treatment, the remodeling process will continue so that, over time, your teeth will be held more firmly in their new positions.
Using retainers helps ensure:
Initially, you will need to wear your Vivera retainers continuously, usually for the first six months to a year after completing treatment.
After the initial retention phase, we can review your dental health and advise how frequently you need to wear them moving forward. Generally, most people need to wear their retainers for a few nights each week.
Wearing them every night for life will help prevent your teeth from moving out of place, so you will always enjoy treatment results. As you age, teeth have a natural tendency to shift position.
Best dental experience ever. Professional and very clean office. Everyone from the receptionist to the hygienist to the dentist are amazing. So friendly and patient. You can even watch TV while getting work done on your teeth!
It is extremely easy to look after your Vivera retainers. After removing them, wash them immediately by brushing the retainer gently with a toothbrush under warm water, and you can also use mild dish soap.
Alternatively, you can clean your retainers in mouthwash or use Invisalign’s proprietary cleaning crystals for when you want to cleanse them more thoroughly. It’s important to store your retainers in the case provided when not in use to prevent any loss or damage.
It’s especially important to do this if you have a dog because dogs are often attracted to the scent of saliva on retainers and other dental appliances and tend to use these appliances as chew toys.
Every set of retainers should last for several years, but if you notice a Vivera retainer begins to look misshapen or feels loose, switch to using a new set. Over time, plastic retainers can loosen, but because Vivera retainers are made from a thicker material, this is less likely to happen with this brand.
If you don’t have any new retainers left, please visit our Rockville Dentistry Center or call us at (516) 763-4500 immediately, as we will have your digital records. We can place an order with Invisalign so they can print a new set of retainers.
Wearing your Vivera retainers should not increase the risk of cavities, provided you keep them clean and fresh. Cavities are caused by dental plaque buildup, so there shouldn’t be any risk of developing tooth decay, provided you clean your retainers thoroughly and make sure you brush and floss your teeth properly.
If you fail to clean your retainers properly, plaque will build up inside them and coat your teeth while you wear them, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
Your retainers should feel very comfortable, especially as they are designed to fit snugly over teeth and hold them in place but not move them. Initially, when you first start to use your retainers, they might feel a little strange, and you could experience mild discomfort, but this should disappear within the first few days.
We find most patients like using Invisalign retainers because they are so easy and comfortable to wear.
Most people appreciate the versatility of having a removable retainer and find them simple and effective. There are other types of retainers available, such as a fixed retainer that consists of a thin wire permanently bonded onto the inner surfaces of your teeth.
Initially, a permanent retainer may seem appealing, especially as the wire is hidden from view. It can be useful for someone who thinks they may forget to wear their Vivera retainers regularly, but it isn’t a perfect choice. People who choose this retainer may find it irritates their mouth because it is made from metal. You would need to spend extra time cleaning on and around the retainer, and there is the potential that plaque and food will build up. If you eat anything very sticky or hard, these foods may get stuck underneath the wire and will be difficult to remove.
When you visit our practice to discover more about Invisalign treatment, we can discuss retainers in far more detail, including the pros and cons of each option.
Dr. Adam Shoukry, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist who strives to provide each of his patients with personalized care and educate them on the state of their dental health so that they can make informed decisions. Dr. Shoukry really enjoys his work and is committed to continued education, having attended several accredited courses in every aspect of dentistry.
Dr. Shoukry graduated from NYU College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and then completed his general practice residency at Nassau University Medical Center. Being a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Shoukry strives to provide comprehensive dental examinations, a full range of cosmetic treatments, and the best restorative oral health care available.