Vivera Retainers in Victoria

What is a Retainer?

Retainers are devices worn after orthodontic treatment so that they can help aligned teeth hold their new position. As time goes by, teeth are likely to keep moving and want to relapse into their previous location. The consistent use of a retainer will help you or your child’s smile stay optimally healthy, functional, and attractive.

Some common types of retainers include:

1. Hawley retainers which are made of clasps and wires that are molded into a plastic body. This body is designed to cover either the roof of the mouth or the lower arch of the mouth. The clasps (metal hooks) will fit over certain teeth and serve as anchors, holding it firmly in place; the wires lay across the front of the teeth, maintaining proper alignment. This retainer can seem bulky and some people may have difficulty wearing it. It can also cause slurred speech. Usually you’ll only have to wear it at night!
2. Fixed retainers (also called permanent or bonded retainers, or lingual wires) are attached to the backside of front teeth in a permanent fashion. This retainer can only be removed by our orthodontist in Victoria, TX. They are effective at keeping teeth in place over time, especially those at the front of the mouth. Another good thing about them is that they’re always with you, so you don’t have to remember to put an appliance in at night. And since the lingual wire is on the tongue side of teeth, no one will see it or know you have it unless you tell them. However, they tend to be a magnet for plaque and tartar buildup - and they’re harder to clean – so home care is important.
3. Standard clear retainers are crafted from sheer plastic and designed to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth, much like a bleaching tray. They are worn while you sleep. These retainers tend to be more discreet than the Hawley model, but their durability gets compromised the more you wear it. They’re also easier to break and can get dingy over time.

Vivera Retainers

At Victoria Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics, we prefer to use Vivera® retainers when possible. These are appliances that look and feel much like Invisalign aligners. In fact, they’re from the same company. But even patients who underwent other forms orthodontics can use this type of retainer. Our orthodontist in Victoria, TX trusts Vivera Retainers because they’ve proven themselves to be the best choice for our patients in a number of different ways, including:

• These custom-fit retainers are super smooth on the outside, so they’re comfortable to wear and don’t cause irritation. But on the inside, they’re rigid which is great for staying in place.
• Each retainer is cut from a digital 3-D replica of your smile, which ensures the most accurate fit.
• Unlike other maintenance protocols that are permanently fixed, Vivera Retainers are easily removable. In fact, you only have to wear them while you sleep so you’ll never be bothered by them and no one will know you have a retainer.
• Your cleaning routine is quick and simple.
• The material used is 30% stronger and more durable than the standard retainer.
• When fabricated, the retainers are made in batches of four. If you lose them, break them, or simply want to replace them, then you’ll always have a backup readily available and close by.
• Since this system uses digital technology, a permanent record of your teeth is kept on file. If you do run out of Vivera retainers, all you have to do is let us know. We’ll request to get a new batch made without you having to come in to the office and be fitted again.
• If for whatever reason you go without your Vivera Retainer and your teeth shift slightly, they has the capability of realigning minor imperfections of up to a .25mm shift, per tooth.
• Orthodontic treatment changes your bone and ligaments. Vivera Retainers can help support the new structure and strengthen it.

Getting Fitted for a Vivera Retainer

If you’ve completed Invisalign therapy, you will already be familiar with the Vivera Retainer process because it’s much the same. Once we’re ready to wrap up your treatment we’ll take a 3-D digital scan of your mouth using our intraoral wand. Your records will be sent to Invisalign (the makers of the Vivera Retainer) and they will be expertly fabricated for your fit. If you’ve finished your Invisalign treatment and your retainers aren’t ready yet, you can simply wear your last set of aligners at night until you receive them.

Wearing Your Vivera Retainer

Initially after completion of your orthodontic treatment, we may recommend you wear your Vivera Retainers during the day then progress to just wearing them while you sleep. Eventually, you may only need to wear them a few nights a week. With whatever protocol we set up for you it’s important to follow the directions to avoid potential relapse. The last thing you’ll want after two years in braces is to have to go back in them!

Protect Your Investment with the Use of a Retainer

The consistent use of an orthodontic retainer can help you or your child maintain a straighter smile for life! If you have any questions, or if this is a service you’re interested in receiving, please don’t hesitate to contact our Victoria, TX orthodontic and pediatric dentist office. We look forward to hearing from you!