Retainers are the most effective method of ensuring teeth stay in their original positions after braces have been removed. Once orthodontic treatment is complete, patients must then wear retainers to ensure the teeth stay in their new position. There are several different types of retainers that are available.
Vivera RetainerVivera is produced by Invisalign. Designed using the same technology, Vivera retainers offer a very smooth and comfortable type of removable clear plastic retainers. To make vivera retainers, we take a digital scan of your teeth using our iTero 3D digital scanner and send the digital scans to Invisalign for retainer production.
Vivera retainers are always provided in sets of three retainers. Your teeth information data for Vivera retainers are kept securely on the Invisalign cloud, so in future if you need new Vivera retainers, theses can be produced without taking new scans of your teeth as long as you have not had any major dental work carried out in the meantime.
A fixed retainer also known as a permanent retainer is a great way of ensuring teeth remain in place following the removal of braces. A fixed retainer is very discreet as they consist of a metallic wire bonded to the back of the front six teeth (available for upper or lower arches).
A Fixed retainer is always in place so patients do not need to worry about forgetting to wear it. In addition, a fixed retainer assists in stabilising mobile teeth, as well as reducing the risk of a relapse in heavily rotated teeth.
On the other hand, a fixed retainer only fixes to the front six teeth and cannot stop the premolars and molars from moving. Also they can create oral hygiene problems as flossing the front teeth will be more difficult. Finally, sometimes due to the bite, its not possible to place a fixed retainer on teeth.
The Essix retainer is a type of removable clear plastic retainer. The appliance is almost invisible. This appliance provides support to the teeth to help prevent them moving out of their desired position. The advantage of an Essix retainer over a fixed appliance is that it retains every tooth in the mouth, not just the front six teeth.
It is important for patients to attend regular check-ups for their teeth and retainer. From time to time a retainer will fracture and need replacing.
Pearl Dental Clinic is open 7 days a week from 9am to 10pm. You can book a FREE retainer Consultation by calling us on 0208 547 9997 or emailing us or book an appointment online.
