What are Vivera retainers, and should you wear them after braces?
Vivera teeth retainers are Invisalign’s brand of clear post-aligner retainers, and you can use them regardless of whether you get your orthodontics treatment with Invisalign. But with all of the options available, are Vivera retainers the best retainer choice for you?
In this guide, we answer the following questions:
- What are Vivera retainers?
- How much do Vivera retainers cost?
- How do you order them?
- How long do Vivera retainers last?
- How do you clean them?
We hope this information helps you make the best decision for your new smile!
Another type of clear retainer like Vivera is the Essix retainer. Essix retainers are clear and removable and affordable.
NewSmile retainers offer high-quality Essix retainers at up to 50% less than traditional options. With prices starting at $139 for two sets and easy home impression kits, NewSmile makes it simple to protect your perfect smile.
Plus, their subscription plans ensure you receive fresh retainers every six months. Backed by excellent customer reviews and top-notch support, NewSmile is the smart choice for hassle-free retainer care. Click here to get started!
In This Article
What are Vivera retainers?
Vivera retainers are a clear type of tooth retainer for you finish your treatment with braces or aligners. These clear retainers from Invisalign are made with state-of-the-art technology.
Research suggests that retainers are critical to maintaining that confident and beautiful smile after you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment.
To get them, you don’t need to make impressions of your teeth. Instead, Invisalign uses its latest 3D imaging technology to create a custom and precise fit for you. The instructions for the number of hours of required wear may vary from person to person. However, usually they are for wearing at night and a few hours during the day, at least at the beginning.
Here’s a fun video introducing Vivera retainers:
Benefits of Invisalign retainers
These retainers from Invisalign offer many benefits over other clear retainers:
- According to Invisalign, their retainers are 30% stronger than other retainers. This makes them more durable and better at keeping your teeth aligned.
- They are lab-tested to last longer than other retainers.
- They are smooth and comfortable, with little irritation to the lips and mouth. This is mainly due to 3D imaging technology that creates a perfect fit.
- These retainers from Invisalign can be reordered easily because your 3D imaging is digitally stored for future reference. No additional appointments for impressions and imaging are needed.
- They do not affect your speech.
What do Vivera retainers cost?
Invisalign Vivera retainers cost slightly more than most clear retainers due to their durability. The cost of getting these retainers ranges from $400 to over $1,000 for four sets.
Here’s a quick overview of the various kinds of retainers you can choose from:
Type of retainer | Approximate cost | Primary benefits |
Vivera | $400 - $1000 for 4 sets | Made of long lasting materials, very durable, custom-fit |
Hawley | $150 - $300 | Very affordable, more durable than Essix retainers, easy to clean, easy to order online |
Essix | $50-$200 per set | Last up to 5 years with proper maintenance, easy to take out of mouth while eating, clear and practically invisible |
Permanent | $150 - $500 each | Virtually invisible, impossible to lose, you don’t need to remember to put them in, last for several years |
As you can see, Essix retainers are more affordable than Vivera retainers. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative, that’s still quality and custom-made, you can order Essix retainers online from NewSmile.
How to order Vivera retainers
The process for ordering a retainer after Invisalign or any other orthodontic braces is relatively straightforward:
- Tell your dentist that you want Vivera.
- Your orthodontist may need to take a scan of your teeth. The results of your scan will be stored in Invisalign’s database, so for future orders, you won’t need to get scans done again, unless your teeth have moved a lot.
- Post-appointment, you’ll pick up your retainers from your dentist.
How long do Vivera retainers last?
Four sets of these last about three years with good care before you’ll need an Invisalign retainer replacement.
The thermoplastic material is 30% stronger than other leading retainers like Essix and Hawley retainers. With Vivera retainers you will rarely encounter cracking or breaking.
To find out more about what patients think about Invisalign, you can read our Invisalign reviews article.
How to clean your retainers
You can use mouthwash and lukewarm water to gently clean the retainers while rubbing with your fingers. Cleaning Viviera retainers with toothpaste and brush might be too harsh. The retainers are strong but not as hard as your tooth’s enamel. Toothpaste is usually too abrasive for cleaning retainers.
We recommend using a specialized retainer cleaner, like this one from cariPRO. It’s an easy and fast way to keep your retainers clean and help them last longer.
For more information on how to clean your retainers, you can read our detailed guide here. We also have a guide for how to clean clear aligners.
Conclusion
After orthodontic treatment, it’s normal to wear retainers regardless of which teeth straightening treatment you may undergo. Retainers ensure that your orthodontic treatment doesn’t relapse.
There are many kinds of retainers available, and Vivera retainers from Invisalign are a popular option. They are manufactured using the latest technology. With proper care, you can ensure they last a long time.
If you like the idea of a clear, removable aligner, but you’d like to pay a little less than you would with Vivera, order custom-made Essix retainers from NewSmile.
FAQs
Invisalign retainers cost between $400 and $1,000 on average for four sets; however, you are getting four sets of top and bottom retainers made from long-lasting materials. Keep in mind that individual quotes will vary — you can call 866-383-0748 to find an Invisalign dentist near you who can give you a detailed price quote.
Just as with any post-orthodontic treatment with retainers, you’ll probably need to wear these retainers for the rest of your life. Usually, after a few months you’ll be able to switch over to nighttime wear only.
You can buy Vivera retainers through your dentist. Many people opt for these Invisalign retainers after Invisalign treatment, but you can also get a Vivera retainer even if you had regular braces.
All Vivera retainers are fitted to your exact smile. Your dentist will scan or make an impression of your teeth for the perfect fit. Then your scans will be stored in Invisalign’s database. So if you need replacement retainers, you won’t need additional scans.
Rinse your retainer with warm water and soak in warm water mixed with mouthwash or a cleaner made for dentures. Don’t brush them with your toothbrush and toothpaste, as you might damage them. Also don’t wash them with hot water.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov: Fixed Orthodontic Retainers: A Review. Consulted 14th June 2020
invisalign.com: Vivera Retainers. Consulted 15th June 2020