Invisalign Retainers – Why They’re Crucial For Maintaining A Perfect Smile

So, you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment and totally fallen in love with your beautiful straight smile. Well done to you! But before you start celebrating and tossing your aligners to one side for good, did you know that your orthodontic treatment doesn’t end here? It’s time to consider wearing Invisalign retainers. These devices play a vital role in maintaining your newly aligned smile and preventing teeth from reverting to their original positions.

In this article, we’ll explain the importance of retainers, the different types available, and why Invisalign’s brand – Vivera – is the best choice for long-term smile maintenance.

What to expect post-Invisalign treatment

After your last aligner is removed your teeth are not completely set in their new positions and would be more than happy to move back from whence they came, undoing months of hard work in straightening them. This is more likely to occur in the early months after finishing Invisalign treatment. So why is this?

During the teeth-moving process, the gums and bones surrounding them have to be remodeled and rebuilt to accommodate this movement. So while the teeth may have aligned by the end of your Invisalign treatment, the gums and bones need time to stabilize, giving them the strength to support the teeth in their new positions. This is where a retainer comes into play -  it retains the teeth to stop them from moving back until the bone has hardened and the teeth are secured. It’s also perfectly normal for teeth to move with age, which is why it’s wise to wear a retainer regularly in the long term.

Retainers are an essential part of Invisalign treatment and help:

• Keep your teeth aligned
• Prevent gaps and crowding from reappearing
• Protect your investment in orthodontic treatment

Wearing a retainer as prescribed by your dentist is key to maintaining a perfect smile for life.

So now you know why you need to wear a retainer, let’s take a quick look at the types available to you.

Types of retainers

Invisalign only makes one type of retainer – the Vivera, which we’ll discuss in more detail further in the article. However, there are other retainers you can choose if you prefer.

There are three main types of retainers available, each with its benefits.

1. Removable clear aligners: These are similar to Invisalign retainers and make it easy to transition from your treatment to a retainer. They’re made from a mold of your teeth once your Invisalign treatment has finished and fit snugly over the teeth like Invisalign retainers. They are a cheaper option than Vivera retainers but may not last as long.
2. Hawley retainers – These are removable traditional retainers made of acrylic and metal wires. While durable and adjustable, they are more visible and may feel bulkier in the mouth compared to clear retainers. If you’d prefer not to wear metal on your mouth, this may not be the retainer for you.
3. Bonded retainers: This fixed retainer comprises a thin wire fitted to the back of your front six teeth and is bonded in place immediately after removing your last aligner. It’s hardly noticeable but it can be tricky to clean and you may need to use interdental brushes rather than flossing thread.

As you can see, there are several types of retainers to choose from. Your dentist will be happy to discuss the various types of retainers available to help you make an informed decision.

At Chesterfield Dentistry, we recommend Vivera retainers. Why?

While all retainers serve the same purpose, Viera retainers stand out for their superior quality, effectiveness and durability. Here’s why they’re a preferred choice for Invisalign patients:

Why Vivera retainers are the best

Made by Invisalign for a perfect fit – Because they’re designed by Invisalign the same high-tech 3D imaging technology used for their aligners also helps create custom fit retainers. This ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness.

30% stronger than other retainers - Vivera retainers are made from a proprietary thermoplastic material that is 30% stronger than other leading clear retainers. This means they’re less likely to crack, warp, or lose shape over time.

More durable and long-lasting – Unlike some retainers that often need replacement, Vivera retainers are built to last. What’s more, they come in a series of 4 upper and 4 lower retainers (8 in total) so they should last a long time, often up to 10 years. Should you lose or damage any retainers, they’re easily replaced because your dentist will have your Invisalign digital records on file.  

How long do you need to wear Invisalign retainers?

To protect your orthodontic investment and stop your teeth from moving, you need to be prepared to commit to it for a lifetime. In the first few months post-treatment, it’s critical to wear your retainers for 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat and drink anything other than water.

Because every individual’s treatment is different, how long you wear them depends on your unique case. It may be that after a few months, your dentist will advise you to wear your retainers just at night when you sleep. Or maybe just one or two nights a week. It’s best to discuss this with your Invisalign provider to ensure you take the right course of action when you finish your Invisalign treatment.

Final thoughts: Protect your smile with Vivera retainers

Investing in Vivera retainers is the best way to protect the time, effort, and money you put into your Invisalign treatment. With their strength, durability, and comfort, they offer the best long-term solution for keeping your smile in perfect shape.

If you’ve completed Invisalign treatment and need high-quality retainers, we’re here to help. We offer custom-fitted Vivera retainers to ensure your smile stays flawless for years to come.

Schedule your consultation with Chesterfield Dentistry today by calling us at 314 936 3621 or using our online booking system! Let’s keep your smile looking its best.