Vivera (Invisalign)

Invisalign Overview

Invisalign is a brand of custom, in-office clear aligners. They gradually move teeth into the right positions. Because the aligners are clear and removable, they are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

What are Vivera™ Retainers?

Vivera™ retainers help maintain the results of Invisalign. They are:

• Made of the same high-quality SmartTrack™ material as the aligners
• Clear and designed to protect your smile after treatment 
• Meant to keep teeth in place rather than shift them 

Unlike Invisalign aligners, Vivera retainers are thick. This is because they are meant for long-term use. A single set can last for several years if you care for them properly.

When Invisalign treatment is complete, you'll need to wear the retainers every night indefinitely. Your teeth will shift back out of alignment if you don’t wear them as directed.

Pros and Cons of Vivera Retainers  

Invisalign treatment is not complete without retainers because your teeth could shift out of alignment completely over time. This would indicate the need for another round of orthodontic treatment.

Why should you choose Vivera retainers?

There are advantages to choosing Vivera retainers. For example, they:

• Are custom-made to fit your teeth (the biggest pro)
• Protect your Invisalign treatment results
• Keep your teeth from reverting to their original positions
• Maintain a healthy and well-aligned bite
• Are up to 30% more durable than other clear retainers
• Are removable and easy to clean

What are some cons to wearing Vivera retainers?

The downsides of Vivera retainers include:

• They cost extra
• If a tooth's size or shape changes as a result of dental work, you might need a new set
• You have to clean them daily to prevent staining and bacteria growth
• An unattended pet or child may damage the retainer

Wear Schedule for Vivera Retainers 

For the first few months after treatment, your Vivera retainers should only be taken out when you eat or brush your teeth. This keeps your teeth in place while new bone grows in. 

It takes your body 9 to 12 months to grow enough bone to keep your teeth stable.

Your teeth will also be at risk of shifting if you don’t wear the retainers regularly. Also, use the case provided to keep them clean and safe when you’re not wearing them.

3 to 6 Months After Treatment

Your jawbone softens during Invisalign therapy. This allows the teeth to shift into their final positions. 

For the first 3 to 6 months after you finish Invisalign, you’ll need to remember some important habits as new bone grows in:

• Wear your retainer for at least 22 hours a day
• Remove only when necessary (for brushing, eating, and flossing)
• Clean and rinse your retainers often

6 to 12 Months After Treatment

At about 6 months, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to ensure they’re still in place. Your body may have built sufficient bone to stabilize your teeth during this period. 

During this phase, you should:

• Wear your retainers at night instead of all day (8 to 12 hours) 
• Visit your orthodontist for progress checks-ups
• Continue practicing good oral hygiene
• Keep the retainers in a case when you’re not using them

12+ Months After Treatment

During this stage, your dentist or orthodontist will determine if enough new bone has formed to keep your teeth stable. 

Ideally, at this stage, you should be wearing your retainer every night for the rest of your life.

How Much Do Invisalign Retainers Cost?

Retainer costs vary depending on where you buy them. Vivera retainers range in price from $400 to $1,000. 

However, this package contains four sets of top and bottom retainers (for a total of eight). You'll pay less per retainer than if you bought a single set from another manufacturer. 

Speak to your orthodontist for other options. This includes buying them in single sets or adding them to the cost of your treatment. These options usually depend on your provider and dental needs. 

How to Order Vivera Retainers

Follow these steps:

• Schedule an appointment — find a Vivera provider near you. Take your time to select the ideal doctor for your needs. Choose someone who makes you feel at ease and has the necessary field experience.
• Get fitted — to improve comfort and results, all Vivera retainers are custom-fit. Request a digital scan from your dentist to be fitted for Vivera retainers.
• Make an order — you can order directly through your provider.

Vivera Retainer Maintenance & Replacements 

You have to wear retainers for the rest of your life. So, it’s important to take excellent care of them to avoid frequent replacements. 

Here are some ways to keep your retainers in good shape:

• When not in use, store them in a hard, clean case
• Use cleaning products like the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System or Invisalign Cleaning Crystals 
• Remove before eating so food doesn’t get stuck and cause damage
• Avoid drinking hot liquids to prevent the plastic from melting or warping

How Do You Get Replacements?

The recommended times for Vivera retainer replacements are:

• Full-time users — every 3 months
• Nighttime users — every 9 months

In general, whenever your retainers appear cracked, damaged, or broken, it's time to replace them.

When you need new retainers, your orthodontist simply keeps your file on hand and places an order with Invisalign to make you a new set(s).

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