Dental Retainers in San Francisco
Dental retainers play a significant role in orthodontic care for our San Francisco patients. If you’re getting orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign, you will need to use Vivera retainers. These retainers are essential for maintaining the alignment of your teeth and preserving your beautiful smile, after orthodontic treatment.
If you have any inquiries about Vivera retainers and orthodontic treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office and arrange a consultation with Dr. Sophya Morghem, our Invisalign dentist in San Francisco, CA.
What are dental retainers?
Vivera retainers are custom-made orthodontic appliances that we use to keep your straight teeth secured and in their proper alignment after completing aligner treatment. Vivera retainers are designed to help preserve the results of teeth straightening treatments such as Invisalign aligners, traditional braces, and other clear aligner treatments. They use the same high-quality thermoplastic material as Invisalign clear aligners, developed by Align Technology.
After completing orthodontic treatment, it can take up to four to six months for your teeth to become firmly set into their correct position. Wearing a retainer is crucial during this period to maintain the correct tooth alignment and prevent the teeth from shifting. Retainers help safeguard the alignment achieved, preserving the time and money invested in treatment process.
Types of Dental Retainers
There are different types of dental retainers available, each offering unique features and benefits. These include improved comfort, aesthetics, and durability, ensuring that you can effectively preserve your teeth’s alignment post-treatment.
Fixed Retainer
A fixed or permanent retainer is an appliance that stays on the teeth permanently. It can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. Fixed retainers are placed behind the teeth and are not visible when worn. They are usually bonded directly onto the tooth surface with special adhesive material. The advantage of this type of retainer is that it is not removable, so you never forget to wear it.
Removable Retainer
A removable retainer is a custom-made plastic tray meant to be worn by patients full time for the first 3-6 months following treatment and then while you sleep for the following years. Some patients prefer removable retainers because they feel more comfortable than fixed retainers.
How long do I have to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment?
On average, patients will need to wear a plastic retainer for at least 3-6 months following their treatment for at least 22 hours a day. After this time, if you have a removable retainer, you can stick to only wearing it at night when you sleep. Patients can typically wean off wearing their retainer every night after about 12 months.
If you have a fixed appliance, they are made to last and can last up to 20 years. Most patients keep them in place unless their retainer becomes damaged, is causing them pain, or is no longer needed.
Tips for Caring for Your Retainer
To ensure that your retainer lasts you a long time and stays in good shape, here are some good oral health tips for properly caring for your retainer:
Avoid using toothpaste that contains abrasives.
Store your Vivera retainer in its case when not wearing it.
Don't use mouthwash that contains alcohol.
Keep it away from heat sources.
Contact Sunset Dentistry to Learn More about Retainers
If you have any questions about Vivera retainers, please don’t hesitate to contact our San Francisco dental office today. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you with any inquiries. If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign, contact our office to arrange a complimentary consultation with our experienced dental team. We are fully committed to addressing your needs and delivering outstanding care.