Lock-in Your Beautiful Smile

Finishing your orthodontic treatment is a big moment! After months and/or years of braces or clear aligners, you finally have THE SMILE you’ve been working toward! Using a retainer after treatment plays a big role in maintaining your results over time.

In this article, we’ll explain why retainers matter, the different types available, and then we’ll dive a little deeper into what makes Vivera retainers such a popular option among patients for long-term results.

Yes! Treatment doesn’t stop when you get your braces off or finish your last clear aligner tray. Retainers are absolutely crucial to maintaining your new smile after your orthodontic treatment. Teeth naturally shift over time, even after braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Retainer are key to prevent teeth from gradually move back toward their original position.

Immediately after your braces or aligner treatment is completed, you’ll enter what’s called the retention phase. Every case is different, but this typically lasts around 12 months and is when your teeth are most likely to shift. During this time, wearing your retainer as instructed by Drs. Greenberg or Ortiz is especially important to help your teeth stabilize in their new positions.

After the retention phase, most patients transition to long-term (even lifelong) nighttime wear to maintain their results. At RxSmile Orthodontics, your retainer is custom-made to fit your unique smile and your lifestyle. Based on the recommended retainer option, you will also be provided with personalized instructions for wearing and caring for your retainer.

Vivera retainers are designed to be a reliable, long-term solution for maintaining your smile. They combine comfort, durability, and a discreet look, which is why they are such a popular choice.

• Clear and comfortable fit: Vivera retainers are made from a smooth, clear material that are trimmed to your gum line for a comfortable, virtually-invisible fit.
• Stronger, more durable material: Vivera retainers are 30% stronger and twice as durable as other leading clear retainer materials.
• Designed for everyday wear: With comfort and strength in mind, they can handle everyday wear, even including teeth grinding.
• Fewer replacements, less hassle: Because they are so durable, with proper care Vivera retainers typically last longer, which means fewer reorders and less inconvenience over time.

For all of these reasons, Drs. Greenberg and Ortiz often recommend Vivera retainers when they are the right fit for your specific treatment goals and lifestyle, as they offer a longer retainer lifespan, fewer replacements, less hassle, and a greater value over time.

Taking care of your Vivera retainers are key to getting the most out of their lifespan while also protecting your teeth and overall oral health. A few simple things can go a long way in keeping your retainers clean, comfortable, and working as they should.

• Rinse your retainers with lukewarm water each time you remove them.
• Clean them daily using a soft toothbrush to gently remove any buildup.
• Use cleaning tablets occasionally for a deeper clean.
• Always store your retainers in their case when not wearing them to protect from damage or loss.
• Keep the retainers away from heat, since hot water and high temperatures can cause the material to warp.
• Wear your retainers as directed to help maintain your results and prevent teeth shifting.

You will also receive detailed care instructions specific to you and your retainers so you feel confident in keeping them in great condition!

Let’s be honest, retainers get lost, worn out, or can even break from time to time. When that happens, waiting too long to replace them can allow your teeth to shift, which can lead to more time and cost down the road. By purchasing additional retainers ahead of time, our Vivera Retainer Program makes it easy to stay on track if you need a new one. You’ll have additional retainers on-hand, leaving no downtime and preventing your teeth from shifting.

You also don’t need to be a current or past patient of RxSmile to take advantage of this program! If you have gone without a retainer for a while or have noticed your teeth shifting, the first step is to schedule an evaluation so we can determine the best next steps for your smile.

For full details on pricing and options visit our Orthodontic Retainer Program page or contact our office to learn more!

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