Vivera Retainers From Invisalign: Who Can Wear Them and How Much Do They Cost?

Are you just about finished with your orthodontic treatment, and interested in trying Vivera retainers to maintain your smile? A Vivera retainer, otherwise known as an Invisalign retainer, is a clear retainer that you can use regardless of whether you had fixed dental braces or Invisalign aligners. But they aren’t the only retainer option available.

We'll cover who can use them, their advantages, and the costs involved. Whether you're curious for yourself or a family member, this article will provide all the key information about this modern orthodontic solution.

While you must be happy to have finished your orthodontic treatment, you will still need to wear retainers so your teeth don’t start to shift positions. It’s important you pick the best ones for your needs, so you can comfortably keep your confident new smile. 

Use code “DENTALY5OFF” to get an additional 5% discount on your treatment.

Let’s get started by finding out precisely what Vivera retainers are. 

What are Vivera retainers? 

Invisalign’s Vivera retainers are custom made clear retainers that look very similar to clear aligners. However, unlike aligners that gradually move your teeth, they keep your teeth in place once you have finished orthodontic treatment. 

These clear retainers from Invisalign are made with state-of-the-art technology to retain your new smile. They are made from the same premium-grade SmartTrack™ material as Invisalign aligners but are slightly thicker so that they keep teeth in place and last for several years. 

Vivera aligners are designed not to break or lose their shape, but if they do, they come with back-ups so you can just switch them out easily. And, because your 3D imaging will be on file with Invisalign, reordering new ones is a simple process.

Research suggests that retainers are critical to maintaining the alignment and position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment, so it's important that you choose ones that are functional and comfortable to wear. Vivera retainers tick all these boxes. Keep reading to learn more about their benefits. 

How much do Vivera retainers cost in the UK?

The cost of Vivera retainers will depend entirely on which dentist and practice you attend. However, prices in the UK can range between £125 – £200 for an upper and lower set and an average of £400 for 3 sets of upper and lower retainers.

While it may seem that Invisalign’s Vivera retainers cost more than other types of retainers such as fixed, Essix and Hawkley retainers, most of these other retainers are sold as single retainers, but Invisalign's come as a set. So the cost per single Vivera retainer actually works out as less overall. 

The following table summarises the Invisalign retainer cost in comparison to other types of retainers. 

What are the benefits of Invisalign retainers?

These clear retainers from Invisalign offer many benefits over other 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 should not affect your speech.

In the following video Dr Gareth Edwards, an Invisalign doctor, explains everything you need to know about Vivera retainers.

Everything you need to know about having retainers after Invisalign by Dr Gareth Edwards, an Invisalign provider and aesthetic focussed dentist. Find on Insta @smilewithgareth

Why do you need retainers?

When you have finished orthodontic treatment, be it with fixed braces or Invisalign aligners, you need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Without a retainer, your teeth will gradually attempt to move back into their original positions. 

As you are already aware, orthodontic treatment can take months, if not years, so it can take quite a while to get your teeth to stay in their new positions. The same principle goes to maintaining your newly aligned bite, as it can also revert to its previous alignment if you're not careful. 

Vivera retainers can keep your teeth, and your bite in their new alignment, and prevent gaps from appearing after your Invisalign aligner or braces treatment. 

How do you get Invisalign Vivera retainers? 

The process of getting Vivera retainers is relatively straightforward. If you had Invisalign treatment, then you simply tell your provider that you would like Vivera retainers. However, if you had an alternative orthodontic treatment with an orthodontist that isn’t an Invisalign provider then your first step is to find a provider near you.

The steps to getting Vivera retainers include the following:

• Consult with an Invisalign provider and let them know you would like Vivera retainers.
• Your orthodontist may need to take a scan of your teeth which will be stored in Invisalign’s database. This means that for future orders you shouldn't need to get any scans done again unless your teeth have moved a lot.
• After your appointment, you'll pick up your retainers from your orthodontist.

How long do you have to wear an Invisalign retainer? 

Not everyone will have to wear their Vivera retainers for the same amount of time after their orthodontic treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist may have different protocols and your case is unique to you. 

Some people have to wear their retainers full time once their orthodontic treatment has finished, and then slowly reduce to wearing them just at night. Other people may start with wearing their retainers at night for the first 6 months then reduce to just 3 nights a week. 

It will depend completely on your Invisalign doctor's recommendation, as they will know best how to treat your individual case. 

How long do Vivera retainers last?

Invisalign Vivera retainers are designed to last for several years after your orthodontic treatment. Usually, you get 2 – 3 sets of your retainers initially which should also help them last quite a long time because you can switch them out if they break or change shape. 

If you take the appropriate care of your retainers they should last longer. If you need to buy an additional Invisalign case to keep your retainers safe, there is a range of colours to choose from including pink, blue, purple, and even camouflage.

It is recommended you replace your Vivera retainers as soon as they look worn or damaged. And, if you lose your retainers and don't have an Invisalign retainer replacement set it shouldn’t be hard to get new ones.

Your orthodontist will have your 3D scan on record, so unless your teeth have moved drastically you should have a new set in no time. Just don’t leave it too long before alerting your dentist or orthodontist so they have time to organise a new set of retainers for you. 

How to clean Invisalign retainers

Your dentist or orthodontist will give you specific instructions on how to care for and clean your Vivera retainers during your consultation. Invisalign recommends using the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System, or a similar product such as a SonicBrite retainer cleaner kit to clean your retainer.

The SonicBrite kit comes with a cleaning container and cleaning powder, and, as the name suggests, a sonic cleaner. Invisalign's kit doesn't come with a cleaning container, but it's a 50 week supply (50 packets), so you won't run out any time soon.

To clean your retainers using the Invisalign retainer cleaner follow these steps:

1. Take out your Vivera retainers and rinse under a tap 
2. Place them in a cleaning tub and fill with 100ml warm water 
3. Add a packet of cleaning crystals and gently shake to help them dissolve
4. Let stand for 15 minutes 
5. Rinse your retainers thoroughly 

Other options include gently cleaning your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste, then rinsing thoroughly. Be careful not to use a hard bristled brush, and not to brush too harshly.

You may have heard you can clean Invisalign retainers using vinegar. We recommend using Invisalign's own cleaning kit as vinegar can be quite abrasive. But if you do decide to use vinegar, make sure to dilute it first, then let them sit in the mixture for roughly 15 minutes before rinsing them under the tap.

Conclusion

After any orthodontic treatment, whether it be the Invisalign system or traditional braces, you will need to wear retainers to maintain your new, confident smile. You may need to wear your retainer full time at first, or just at night, and then you may eventually only need to wear it for as little as 3 nights a week. 

The best way to ensure you wear it, and maintain the smile that took months to align, is to find the best retainer for you. You want one that is durable, functional and most importantly comfortable, so you are less likely to put off wearing it. 

Invisalign Vivera retainers cover all of these points and work out better value for money than other brands of retainers. That is because you pay for a set or multiple sets rather than just an upper or lower retainer. 

They are also 30% more durable than competitors, according to Invisalign, so they should last you longer! If they don't, they are easily replaceable for a fee. If you’re interested in getting Vivera retainers, contact your nearest Invisalign provider to find out more.

Use “DENTALY5OFF” to get an additional 5% discount.

FAQs

How much does an Invisalign retainer cost?

An Invisalign Vivera retainer costs between £125 and £200 per set, or in some cases you can get 3 sets for an average of £400 in the UK. The exact price can depend on the clinic you go to.

Do you need a retainer after Invisalign?

Yes, your dentist or orthodontist will advise wearing a retainer after Invisalign treatment because your teeth may shift positions. Wearing a retainer will help to maintain your smile.

How much does an Invisalign replacement retainer cost?

If you damage or break your Vivera retainers, a replacement will cost you between £125 and £200, but depending on your provider, you may be able to get a replacement slightly cheaper.