Orthodontic treatment can give you a stunning smile, and there’s a bit of hard work that goes into successfully completing the process! There are guidelines to follow, recommendations to act on, and even some rules you need to be aware of. But here you are, close to getting your braces off or using your last aligner! The Alborzi Orthodontics team is so proud of you for getting this far and taking good care of your teeth while we worked to straighten them. There’s just one phase of treatment left now: retention! You might be wondering “what is the best option for retainers, longterm?” It’s Viveras! Vivera retainers give you an advantage during this final phase of treatment and make retention a breeze!
The active phase of treatment is almost over for you, so now is the perfect time to take a closer look at this invaluable orthodontic tool! Keep reading below for more information on the Vivera retainer advantage.
Why are retainers essential for long-lasting results and savings?
In a perfect world, your newly straightened smile would last forever without another ounce of effort on your part. Unfortunately, our teeth have a natural tendency to drift back towards their original positions as we age. This phenomenon is known as relapse, and it generally begins in the late teens or early twenties. It can occur even if you’ve completed orthodontic treatment, which is where retainers come in!
When it comes to holding your teeth in their new positions over time, retainers are the easiest and most effective solution. During the active phase of treatment, we use braces and aligners to place constant force on the teeth. This facilitates the formation of new ligaments and sometimes bone. Once this process is complete, these will need time to stabilize, part of which takes place during the retention phase. If there’s nothing to hold the teeth in place at this time, they’ll almost always migrate back to their old positions.
What does that mean for you, as an orthodontic patient? Put simply, if you don’t wear your retainer as recommended by our doctors, your teeth will eventually begin shifting back to where they used to be, undoing all your hard work. The good news is, keeping your teeth in place is as simple as wearing your retainer regularly!
What makes Vivera different?
When you think of retainers, you most likely imagine the classic metal-meets-plastic combination. However, much like braces technology, retainers have come a long way! Vivera retainers are made by the same team that developed Invisalign, so they have the same features that you may already know and love from your aligners. If you wore braces, this type of retainer will give you a comfortable and flexible retention experience. Vivera retainers are custom made for each patient making them more comfortable from the start.
Vivera retainers are also 30% stronger than other clear retainers and twice as durable. This makes them a cost-effective and long-lasting option to keep your smile intact. After you’ve spent so much time correcting your bite and achieving your desired results, it feels good to know that Vivera can help you maintain them!
How much do Vivera retainers cost?
As with any orthodontic appliance, the cost of your Vivera retainers will depend on a few different factors. They typically come in sets of four so you save on the cost of each set. This also ensures that you’ll always have a set of retainers if one comes up missing! If you don’t want four sets at once, we can always work something out to fit your budget. In some cases, orthodontic insurance may help to cover the cost of your retainers.
How to care for Vivera retainers
Caring for your Vivera retainers is similar to caring for Invisalign clear aligners. We recommend using the Invisalign clear aligner cleaning system to achieve the best results and maintain the clear appearance of your retainers. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to gently brush them clean.
Vivera retainers should be replaced after a certain amount of time. This will vary from person to person, but it is generally when they start to look cracked or damaged or start showing signs of wear.
Keep your smile in shape for years to come with Alborzi Orthodontics
Did you know that in the first year post-treatment, your teeth can begin shifting back to their old positions in as little as a few days? If you don’t wear your retainer as directed by Dr. Alborzi, this drifting will continue, eventually undoing all your work. That’s why you must use your retainer exactly as directed by your orthodontist. This will let you enjoy your incredible new smile for many years to come!
The latest orthodontic guidance tells us that most patients will need to wear some type of retainer indefinitely for the best results, but don’t let that worry you—your retainer will become part of your daily routine in no time at all. Do you have questions about retainers or the retention phase? Our expert team would love to hear from you! Get in touch with our San Mateo or Half Moon Bay office today and we’ll be happy to walk you through the process. You deserve nothing less than a lifetime of healthy smiles and we’re to get you started!