Congratulations! After months of wearing braces or clear aligners, your orthodontic treatment is complete, and your teeth are straight, beautiful, and aligned. However, removing your braces or finishing your final aligner tray is not the final step—it is the beginning of the retention phase.
Without a retainer, teeth naturally try to drift back toward their original misaligned positions (relapse). Here is why retainers are non-negotiable and how to choose between Vivera® removable retainers and fixed bonded wires.
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- The Science of Orthodontic Relapse:
When teeth move into new positions, the surrounding bone tissue and elastic collagen fibers in your gums require 9 to 12 months to completely reorganize and firm up around the new roots.
During this stabilization period, soft tissues exert pressure that can cause teeth to drift out of alignment if not held securely in place.
- Option 1: Vivera® Clear Removable Retainers:
Custom-engineered by Invisalign® using proprietary medical plastic that is 30% stronger than standard clear retainers.
Fits comfortably over your dental arch, making it virtually invisible while sleeping.
Pros: Easy to remove for thorough brushing and flossing; easy to clean; highly durable.
- Option 2: Fixed Bonded Retainers (Permanent Wires):
A thin, custom-fitted medical wire bonded invisibly behind the inner surface of your front 6 teeth.
Pros: Works 24/7 without requiring you to remember to put it in; completely hidden from view.
Cons: Requires extra attention when flossing using floss threaders or water flossers.
- The Best Approach: Dual Retention:
Many orthodontists recommend combining a thin fixed wire behind the front teeth with a clear Vivera® retainer worn overnight for maximum long-term stability.
Conclusion
Your new straight smile is a lifelong investment. Wearing your retainer as prescribed guarantees that your teeth remain perfectly aligned for decades to come.
Need a replacement retainer or post-orthodontic checkup? Contact Pearl Dental Kochi to order custom digital Vivera® retainers.
