Clear (Essix) Retainers
This modern evolution of orthodontic care looks very similar to clear aligners like Invisalign®. These customized, removable retainers are made of a thin, clear plastic that fits closely over your teeth. Many orthodontists agree that these retainers do the best job of keeping your teeth in the desired aligned position.
Pros:
- Are almost completely invisible.
- Prevent the premature wearing down of teeth due to grinding at night
- Are not as expensive to replace as other types of retainers.
- Are not as expensive to replace as other types of retainers.
Cons:
- Are not as durable compared to other types since they’re made of plastic.
- Can be extremely easy to misplace since they are clear.
- Sometimes the plastic can discolor over time, giving your teeth a yellow tint when wearing the retainer
Permanent Bonded Retainer
The final type of retainer that can be an option for some patients is a permanent bonded retainer. Most often used on the lower front teeth, these retainer systems are not removable and are made of a wire that is bonded to the backside of the teeth. Thus making them invisible. These retainers often remain in place for months, or longer. These retainers can make a great solution in situations where there is a high risk for the teeth to move back to their former position.
Pros:
- Are not easily visible to others.
- Don’t have to worry about them getting thrown out or losing them.
- Lasts a long time and acts as extra protection from relapse.
- Are not as expensive to replace as other types of retainers.
Cons:
- Are harder to clean and requires more effort to effectively brush and floss compared to other types of retainers.
Vivera Retainers
Vivera™ retainers are made of the same premium-grade SmartTrack™ material as the aligners themselves, so you’ll get the same comfort, convenience, and effectiveness from the retention stage as the treatment stage. They are made of thicker material, designed to last for years without breaking, cracking, or losing their shape. These include 4 SETS of upper and lower retainers. Typically these last about 8 years.
