How long do Vivera retainers last?

Question

I finished my Invisalign treatment at the end of 2015, and decided to go with Vivera retainers. I wore my last Invisalign tray for a month while I was waiting for my retainers to come in. I received 4 Vivera retainers and all I was told was one of the retainers was a bit thicker to correct tiny gaps and the other 3 were identical and to keep around as backups. Was this not correct information about these retainers, and will I have to replace my all 4 of my retainers in a year?!

Doug Jopling, DDS · Answer

I would have you wear your first Vivera retainers 20-22 hours a day for the first 3 months following your final aligner.  You would then wear this same aligner every night while sleeping for an additional 9 months. Each of the remaining three Vivera retainers would be worn for 1 year apiece, every night while sleeping. This would give them a life span of 4 years.  If you clinch or grind your teeth while sleeping, a nightguard would work excellent as a retainer as well and could last you up to 10 years on the arch that the nightguard fits on.  You would still wear a retainer on the arch that opposes the nightguard.Remember to clean them thoroughly everyday, and never use products that could damage them for the maximum lifespan.Douglas Jopling, DDSDallas, TX area

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Hi there and thank your question.There are different protocols out there. The one I adhere to and one that works for my patients well is to wear Vivera for up to 6 month each and then order a new set.

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

Vivera retainers with my office protocols last 8 years . The first one is worn 6 months all the time like you regular aligners and then for a year and a half at night only. The next one is worn at night only for 2 years. The 3rd one is worn every other night for 2 years and the last one is worn every every night for 2 years for a total of 8 years . Hope this helps

How long do Vivera retainers last?

Answers (3)