Upon completion of orthodontic treatment, the next crucial stage is wearing retainers. As provided by Dr. Mark Garlington at Garlington Orthodontics in Long Beach, CA, retainers play a vital role in preventing newly straightened teeth from shifting and causing orthodontic relapse.
Retainers are not just an afterthought in orthodontic treatment. They are critical to maintaining the results achieved through braces or aligners and are also one of the most important orthodontic services we offer. Wearing retainers may seem like a minor inconvenience compared to the active phase of treatment, but they are crucial for your smile.
The Importance of Wearing Retainers
Even after your teeth have been moved into their desired position through orthodontic treatment, factors such as teeth grinding and chewing can encourage orthodontic relapse. Therefore, most orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer to reduce the risk of tooth shifting post-treatment.
To avoid complications after completing your orthodontic treatment, it is essential to wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist. Once you wear your retainer regularly, we will schedule periodic check-ups with Dr. Garlington. This helps us ensure that your teeth remain in their proper position.
Types of Retainers Offered at Garlington Orthodontics
Our office in Long Beach offers various types of retainers tailored to individual needs for optimal results. Invisalign Vivera retainers guide and position the teeth, creating a more aligned smile even after repositioning during treatment. Once set in place, they help maintain this alignment.
Bonded retainers attached to the backside of either upper or lower arches (or both) provide tooth positioning without removable appliances. As a result, these require less daily maintenance while ensuring effective smile retention. Our office has a 3D printer to make retainers in-house for phase 1 patients. The team at Garlington Orthodontics will instruct you on how best to clean and care for each type of retainer.
Invisalign Vivera Retainer Subscription Program
Keep your smile perfectly aligned with the Vivera Subscription Program. This convenient service regularly delivers custom-made Vivera retainers to your door, ensuring you always have a fresh, durable retainer to maintain your teeth’s alignment after treatment. With Vivera’s superior strength and a hassle-free subscription, you can enjoy lasting results without worrying about shifting teeth. Sign up today and protect your smile effortlessly!
What makes Vivera® retainers different?
- Vivera retainer material is at least 30% stronger and twice as durable as other leading clear retainer materials
- Your Vivera retainer is custom-fit for your smile, with your comfort in mind…which is important since you’ll wear it while you sleep
- Doctors who have used Vivera retainers are more satisfied with Vivera retainers than with other retainers
Vivera Retainer Subscription FAQs
When and how will I receive my retainers?
Due to HIPAA regulations, your first set of retainers will be shipped directly to our office. After that, all future retainers will be shipped directly to your home. Please make sure your shipping address is up to date in your Invisalign account (my.invisalign.com) or through the Invisalign app to ensure proper delivery. Please note: Our office is unable to make changes to your Invisalign subscription account.
When will I be billed for my retainers?
If you selected an annual subscription, you will be charged on the shipment date of your first set of retainers. If you selected a monthly payment plan, your payment method will be charged on the shipment date and will continue to be charged on that same date each month thereafter.
Is my annual subscription automatically renewed?
Yes. Annual subscriptions automatically renew each year on the original subscription date. You will receive an email notification approximately 30 days before your renewal date.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You may cancel your subscription at any time through:
- Your Invisalign account (my.invisalign.com)
- The Invisalign app
- Or by contacting our office
Cancellation & Payments
Annual Subscription: If you cancel and have already paid annually, any refund for remaining unshipped retainers within that subscription year is at the discretion of your doctor.
Monthly Payment Plan: If you cancel after receiving retainers but still have an outstanding balance, you are responsible for the remaining balance. Monthly payments will continue to be charged to your selected payment method until the balance is paid in full.
Can I opt out of auto-renewal instead of canceling?
Yes. You may choose to opt out of auto-renewal. If you opt out, your subscription will not renew for the following year. However, you will continue receiving any remaining retainer sets included in your current subscription term until that year ends. Pricing,
Returns & Refunds: All pricing, returns, and refunds are at the discretion of your doctor.
Caring For Your Retainers
To ensure long-term success with our Invisalign Vivera retainers offered at Garlington Orthodontics, it is crucial to follow the care instructions provided by our team. Every time you take your retainer out, rinse it with cool or lukewarm water. This washes away saliva, food debris, and odor-causing bacteria.
At least once a day, thoroughly clean your retainer with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap. Don’t use toothpaste, as this can be abrasive and scratch the retainer. At least once a week, do a deeper cleaning and sterilization. You can soak the retainer in Invisalign or denture cleaning solution. It takes care of bacteria and odor that may not be removed with your daily cleaning.
Keep your retainer away from any heat source. Even using water that’s too hot to clean it can warp the material and impact how the retainer fits. Don’t leave the retainer in a place where it’ll be in direct sunlight or too close to a heater in your house.
When you’re not wearing the retainer, store it properly in its designated case. Make sure it’s ventilated, as a warm, wet environment creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Keeping the retainer in the case ensures you always know where it is, minimizing the risk of losing or damaging it.
Lastly, stay vigilant with the fit and condition of your retainer. You know it best, as you’re wearing it every evening. If you notice wear and tear on it or experience changes in how it fits, bring it to our attention right away. The retainer can’t do its job correctly if there are issues with these things.
Retainers: A Long-Term Investment
With proper care and maintenance, retainers can last many years, supporting the health and structure of a new smile. Our office also offers an affordable Retainers 4 Life program, ensuring you always have access to replacement retainers.
Remember that if your retainer fits loosely or experiences damage while stored, contact us immediately for an adjustment or possible replacement. Dedication to regular wear and appropriate cleaning habits can ensure long-term orthodontic success following treatment completion.