Retainers After Invisalign: Vivera, Types & How Long to Wear
Finished your Invisalign treatment? Congratulations! But here's the truth: your teeth will shift without a retainer. According to Invisalign, if you don't wear a retainer, your teeth might return to their original positions, undoing all the progress made with aligners.
Key Facts About Retainers
- • Vivera retainers: 30% stronger, twice as durable as other clear retainers
- • Wear schedule: Full-time first 3 months, then nightly
- • 9 out of 10 users say Vivera is the most comfortable retainer they've used
- • Doctors prefer Vivera over in-house and lab-made retainers
- • Retention is for life: Teeth can shift at any age
Do You Have to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?
Yes. Most doctors agree that retainers are essential to keep the smile you worked hard to achieve. Each person's situation is different, but as time goes on, your teeth can move and shift.
After treatment, your teeth are in new positions, but the surrounding bone and ligaments aren't yet stable. They have "memory" and will try to move teeth back to their original positions. Retainers hold everything in place while tissues remodel and stabilize.
Retainers help maintain the results and protect the investment you made in your beautiful smile.
What Are Vivera Retainers?
Vivera retainers are made by the makers of Invisalign aligners. They're designed specifically for preserving the smile you achieved with teeth straightening treatment.
Key features of Vivera retainers:
- 30% stronger and twice as durable as other leading clear retainers
- Made with high-grade, biocompatible material that resists discoloration
- Customized using advanced 3D imaging for a precision fit
- Strong enough to withstand teeth grinding without compromising effectiveness
- Virtually invisible—same discreet look as Invisalign aligners
Vivera vs. Traditional Retainers
More Comfortable
Vivera retainers are customized for your smile with comfort in mind. Nine out of ten surveyed users agree that Vivera retainers are the most comfortable retainers they've ever used.
Doctor Preferred
Doctors who've used Vivera retainers are more satisfied with them than with other retainers. In fact, doctors prefer Vivera retainers over in-house retainers and lab-made retainers in terms of retaining teeth in position and patient satisfaction.
More Discreet
Vivera retainers offer the same virtually invisible look that Invisalign aligners are known for. The high-grade material resists discoloration and tarnishing.
Vivera Retainers vs. Invisalign Aligners
The difference is in the materials:
- Invisalign aligners are made to gradually shift your teeth. Each aligner is meant to be worn for only 1-2 weeks.
- Vivera retainers are made to keep teeth in place. The material is much more rigid than aligners to prevent tooth movement.
You cannot use your last aligner as a retainer. Aligners are designed for movement, not retention. They will wear out and warp. Vivera retainers are specifically engineered for long-term retention.
Types of Retainers
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Vivera (Clear Removable) | Virtually invisible, comfortable, removable for eating/cleaning | Must remember to wear, needs replacement |
| Fixed Wire (Bonded) | Works 24/7, no compliance needed, invisible | Harder to floss, can break, only retains front teeth |
| Hawley (Wire + Acrylic) | Durable, adjustable, long-lasting | Visible, less comfortable, affects speech |
| Essix (Generic Clear) | Clear, affordable | Less durable than Vivera, may discolor |
Best Approach: Dual Retention
Many orthodontists recommend dual retention: a fixed wire bonded behind your front teeth PLUS Vivera retainers worn at night. This provides 24/7 protection for your front teeth and full-arch retention when you wear the Vivera.
How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?
The typical schedule recommended by orthodontists:
- First 3 months: Wear retainers full-time (22+ hours/day), only removing for eating and cleaning
- After 3 months: Gradually reduce to nighttime wear only
- Long-term: Continue wearing nightly, indefinitely
Important: Follow your orthodontist's specific instructions. Each person's situation is different.
Do You Have to Wear Retainers Forever?
Most doctors agree: yes, for life. As time goes on, your teeth can move and shift—this happens naturally throughout life, even without orthodontic treatment.
If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth might return to their original positions, undoing all the progress made with Invisalign. Retainers help maintain the results and protect the investment you made in your smile.
How to Clean Vivera Retainers
To keep Vivera retainers clean and smelling good:
- Use a regular toothbrush (or denture toothbrush) and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Brush the retainers gently
- Rinse thoroughly before wearing them again
- You can also use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals—soak for 15 minutes
The same cleaning tips for aligners apply to retainers.
How Much Do Vivera Retainers Cost?
The price of Vivera retainers varies depending on your provider and location. Some factors to consider:
- Some dental insurance plans may help cover the cost
- FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account) can be used
- Many providers offer financing with low monthly payments
- Vivera retainers typically come in sets of 4, lasting 2-4 years
In Thailand, retainers are significantly more affordable than in Western countries—another benefit of getting your Invisalign treatment in Phuket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my last aligner as a retainer?
No. Your final aligner is designed for movement, not retention. It will wear out and warp quickly. Vivera retainers are made from much more rigid material specifically designed to prevent tooth movement.
What if I stop wearing my retainer?
Your teeth will shift. It may happen slowly, but it will happen. If you notice shifting, contact your orthodontist immediately—you may need refinement treatment.
How long do Vivera retainers last?
With proper care, each Vivera retainer lasts 6-12 months. They typically come in sets of 4, so one order can last 2-4 years.
Are Vivera retainers removable?
Yes. You can easily take Vivera retainers out for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, cleaning, or playing sports.
Can I get Vivera retainers if I didn't have Invisalign?
Yes! Vivera retainers can be made for anyone—whether you had Invisalign, braces, or just want to replace your current retainers.
What if my retainer doesn't fit anymore?
If your retainer feels tight or doesn't fit, your teeth may have shifted. Contact your orthodontist. You may need new retainers or refinement treatment.
Protect Your Investment
Retention is the final, essential step of your Invisalign journey. It protects the investment you made in your beautiful smile and ensures your results last a lifetime.
Key takeaways:
- Vivera retainers are 30% stronger and twice as durable as other clear retainers
- Wear full-time for the first 3 months, then nightly
- Retention is for life—teeth can shift at any age
- Consider dual retention (fixed wire + Vivera) for maximum protection
Follow your orthodontist's retention plan—your future self will thank you.
Questions About Retainers?
Find an experienced Invisalign provider in Phuket for advice on retention.
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