There are few events that are as liberating as finally getting your braces off. Not only do you get to enjoy a beautiful and straight smile, but you can also start eating all of your favorite foods once again. While the hard work is already done, you will need to continue wearing a retainer to preserve the alignment of your teeth and prevent future issues.
Fortunately, the Vivera® retainers are an option for subtly maintaining a straight and healthy smile after the use of braces.
Malocclusion is a Lifelong Concern
Malocclusion is the medical term used to describe misalignment issues with one’s teeth. This might include an overcrowded smile, gaps in between the teeth or teeth that are in the wrong position. In limited cases, these issues can be permanently fixed with tooth extractions or oral surgeries. Unfortunately, most patients will need lifelong orthodontic treatments.
Braces are a great way to quickly bring the teeth back into alignment, but they will not keep a patient’s teeth aligned forever. As soon as the braces are no longer applying pressure to the teeth, the teeth will slowly begin to shift back to their original position. This is why the vast majority of patients who have had braces need to wear retainers for the rest of their lives. Traditional metal and plastic retainers are effective, but most people would like a retainer that is comfortable to wear.
The Vivera® retainer program was actually developed by the same company that brought the world Invisalign® aligners. Much like Invisalign® aligners, the goal of Vivera® is to provide patients with comfortable trays that are nearly invisible once they are in the mouth.
The average Vivera® tray is slightly thicker and more durable than an Invisalign® tray because it is supposed to last for a longer period of time. Even with a thicker mold, however, the trays are almost completely invisible and can be taken out at any time.
Creating Your Personalized Retainers
For the Vivera® retainer system to be effective, patients should begin wearing them as soon as their braces come off. You will begin this process by having a 3-D image taken of your teeth and gums. This image will then be used to create a model for your custom retainers. Each retainer is made with a proprietary thermoplastic material that offers a precise and comfortable fit.
Once the retainers have been manufactured, our orthodontist will then give you a schedule of when to wear them. Some patients must wear their retainers throughout the night while others only need to wear them for a few hours during the day. This depends on the layout of the patient’s mouth and how quickly their teeth will shift. Each retainer should also last for anywhere from two to nine years.
Learn More Today
With locations in Destin and Panama City Beach, Runnels Orthodontics proudly offers Vivera® retainers as a discreet and effective way to maintain alignment after braces. To determine if this product is right for you after your braces are off, come in for a consultation with Dr. Runnels. After evaluating your teeth, he can then select the best plan of action for your smile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment at one of our conveniently located offices.
