They are not the same thing
Invisalign aligners move the teeth. Vivera holds them in place once they have arrived. One is treatment, the other is retention. They come from a similar family but do different jobs. Using one in place of the other causes problems.
This information is general; the treatment that suits you is decided after an examination.
The difference at a glance
| Topic | Invisalign aligner | Vivera retainer |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Moving the teeth step by step | Keeping the position that was reached |
| When it is used | During active treatment | After active treatment ends |
| How many pieces | A separate set for each step | Mostly one or a few identical sets |
| Shape | Slightly different on the teeth in each set | Based on the shape of the finished teeth |
| Durability | Designed for a few weeks | Designed for longer use |
| Whose plan | ClinCheck, approved by the doctor | Based on the doctor's end-of-treatment records |
Why does an aligner not stay on as a retainer?
In active treatment, the aligner pushes the tooth gently. Each set aims at the next step. When treatment ends, it may seem logical to keep wearing the last aligner. But that aligner still applies pressure in a certain direction and is made to last only a short time. Over time it deforms.
A retainer, on the other hand, does not apply pressure. It holds the tooth where it is. So the difference between an aligner and a retainer lies in purpose before material. You can also read about this in a general comparison of clear aligners and retainers: why aligners and retainers are separate.
Vivera when treatment ends
When the last set of aligners is finished, the teeth are in their new positions but are not yet stable. While the bone and gums get used to the new position, teeth tend to drift back to where they were. This is seen in most people. A retainer is given precisely to prevent this.
At the clinic, at the end of treatment your mouth is scanned again with iTero. The retainer is made from this current record. While it is being manufactured, you may be asked to keep wearing your last aligners. Your doctor will tell you.
A fixed retainer, that is, a thin wire bonded behind the teeth, is also the doctor's preference for some people. Which one suits you is decided at the examination. For general information, see our retainer guide.
The wearing routine in general terms
At first, most people wear Vivera during the day and at night, except for meals and brushing. As the teeth settle, the doctor reduces the wearing time, often down to nights only. The doctor manages this stage. Do not decide on your own and stop.
The daily rules are largely the same as for aligners:
- Drink only water while wearing it.
- Brush your teeth before putting it in.
- When you take it out, put it in its case; do not wrap it in a napkin.
- Keep it away from hot water and hot cars.
- Do not reduce how often you wear it on your own; follow what your doctor says.
For details on duration and frequency, the how long to wear a retainer page can help.
If it is lost or broken
If your Vivera is lost or cracks, call the clinic first. Even a day or two without wearing it can let the teeth shift slightly. If you still have your old aligners, the doctor may tell you to wear them temporarily. But do not try this on your own; the wrong set can put pressure on the teeth.
For a new retainer, the existing digital record is often used. If the teeth have shifted a lot, a new scan is needed. The doctor decides this. If you are travelling, see the lost and broken aligners while travelling page.
Which retainer suits you?
The doctor may offer two options: a removable clear retainer or a thin wire bonded behind the teeth. A removable one can be cleaned and replaced, but you have to remember to wear it. A fixed one cannot be forgotten, but flossing becomes harder. The initial position of the teeth, your bite pattern and your habits affect the decision. In some people both are used together.
What will you feel in the first weeks?
A new retainer feels a bit bothersome in the first days and can affect your speech for a day or two. You may also have increased saliva. Most people get used to it quickly. If the retainer feels tight or does not seat at all, write to the clinic without losing time.
Why is the retainer never skipped?
Teeth drifting back is the most common problem after treatment. So that months of effort are not wasted, the retainer should not be skipped. For details on relapse, read the teeth shifting back after orthodontics page. The article on retainer problems and solutions is also helpful for retainer issues.
Cleaning and storage
Clean the retainer every day with a soft brush and lukewarm water. Toothpaste can be abrasive; it scratches the retainer and makes it cloudy. Do not toss it in a bag without its case. Be careful in homes with pets; dogs love to chew retainers. If you have a spare set, keep it in a safe place as well.
Check-ups continue
When the retainer period begins, appointments become less frequent but do not end. At intervals the doctor looks at how the retainer fits and where the teeth sit. If something starts to shift, it is noticed early and corrected. These visits are short.
What you can ask at your appointment
If you are in the middle of treatment, ask this: Which type of retainer do you recommend at the end? When is it received? How long will I wear it in the first months? How do you do the end-of-treatment scan? If the answers are recorded, you will not be surprised at the end of treatment.