Each set of Invisalign Vivera retainers should last about 18-24 months before they start to break, crack, or get stretched out from wear over time.
However, the vivera retainers come in a set of four, which means that they should last about 6-8 years before you need to purchase a replacement from your dentist.
Please note, all of the information we've provided above only apply to the Vivera retainers by Invisalign. There are other types of clear aligner retainers that you may have been given.
Lastly, if you're in need of a replacement set the process is painless!
Each Invisalign Vivera retainer lasts 18-24 months
Each set of Vivera retainers by Invisalign should last approximately 18-24 months with regular wear and without any mishaps.
Regular wear rate: According to Invisalign, your vivera retainers can last up to about 2 years.
Typically what we see with our patients is about 18-24 months before needing replacement.
FYI, even if the retainers do not appear damaged after 2 years, you should still move onto the next set because the elasticity begins to wear. Once you put on the new set you'll realize how much tighter they feel compared to the old ones.
Wearing loose trays can potentially allow the teeth to microscopically shift!
What can shorten its lifespan:
Teeth grinding. If you grind your teeth at night, you will wear through the retainer trays a lot faster than usual. This increases the chances of puncturing a hole or wearing down the plastic.
Clenching. While not as severe as grinding, teeth clenching can also increase the wear rate of the elasticity of the trays. You could potentially break them as well.
Accidents. People lose their aligner trays all the time, either on vacation or while moving. Then of course there is always the excuse of, "my dog ate it." which does actually happen sometimes!
There are four sets of vivera retainers
Invisalign only offers vivera retainers in a set of four.
That means you get four retainers on the top and four on the bottom.
Every set is identical despite being numbered as such below.
1 of 4
2 of 4
3 of 4
4 of 4
As far as we know, we are unable to order less than a set of four from Invisalign. There is simply no option to do so. We literally have no choice even if the patient begs us otherwise.
Theory: Our hunch is that the shipping costs for 1 set would make it unreasonable. There is also the fact that sometimes people lose them so might as well give them extra so they don't have to keep coming back to the dentist.
Do you actually have vivera retainers?
It is important to know if you actually have the vivera retainers because the everything that we've said about it thus far only applies to.
There are plenty of other clear aligner type of retainers that may look similar but are NOT viveras. If you have one of these, it may not have the same physical properties but most importantly, it may not last as long.
Other types of clear aligners:
All clear aligner companies do make their own type of retainer but how durable they are may not be the same.
Most commonly there is a less costly version made of Essix. These are typically fabricated in-house at your dentist but they're not as thick.
These other types may have different longevities.
Process of getting a replacement set
If you need a replacement set of viveras, the process is very straightforward and painless. It will require an in-person visit to the dentist.
What to expect:
Take new molds of scans of your teeth. This should take no more than 30 minutes at most.
Wait for Invisalign to manufacture and ship it back to your dentist.
Come back and pick them up.
Why take new molds or scans? It is recommended that you take new impressions or scans of the teeth especially if its been more than a few years.
As per Invisalign, sometimes the teeth have micro movements after they've settled. You want to keep the teeth in their most natural and comfortable position.
It takes a long time, a year or two for the teeth to finally settle and stabilize into their final position. You want to capture this position!
This process also applies to any cracked, broken or damaged Invisalign!
Takeaway
If you're down to your last set of vivera retainers, please contact our dental office to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists in Long Island City. We can help you get a replacement set of 4 new retainers from Invisalign.
Please be aware that this will be an in person appointment so if you're not in NY, you'll have to find someone else!
