After Invisalign®: Orthodontic Retention Guidelines for Preserving Your Beautiful Smile

Invisalign makes teeth straightening easy — and with the right approach, maintaining your results is just as easy. At the Houston, Texas, practice of Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, we love helping patients transform their smiles.

With us, you don't just get a generic treatment approach. Dr. Wilmore has decades of experience in the medical field and is in the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the United States today. 

As the only general dentist in Texas to hold that title, Dr. Wilmore knows what it takes to preserve your beautiful smile for a lifetime. The right habits and tools make all the difference after Invisalign. Here’s what you need to know!

Why you need to take orthodontic retention steps

Did you know that the period immediately after teeth straightening treatment is when your teeth are the most vulnerable to shifting? This common issue is called orthodontic relapse, and it could undo all of your hard work. Fortunately, orthodontic retention guidelines help you avoid this.

Protect your smile with Vivera™ retainers

Wearing retainers as directed helps your teeth stay in place, and that's why it's non-negotiable.

Just as Invisalign leads the orthodontics field for fast, reliable teeth straightening, Vivera™ retainers (also from the makers of Invisalign) are the top option for maintaining your results afterward.

As with your Invisalign aligner trays, Dr. Wilmore uses advanced oral imaging to create a custom plan for your Vivera retainers. Many patients groan when we tell them retainers are crucial — but these aren't any old retainers. Benefits of Vivera include:

• Metal-free
• Crystal-clear material
• Custom designed and fitted (Dr. Wilmore trims them to your gums)
• Comfortable fit (90% of patients say they’re the most comfortable retainers)
• 30% stronger than other retainer brands
• Twice as durable as other retainers

Wearing your Vivera retainers according to your customized schedule helps you protect your beautiful new smile.

Retainer wear schedule

Although the retainer schedule can vary with each patient, it generally starts with round-the-clock wear (20-22 hours a day) for around 3-12 months.

After that, the schedule may shift to nightly wear, and later to wearing them a few nights a week. Dr. Wilmore may recommend rotating your retainers and reserving one pair as dedicated backups.

Maintain your straight smile

Good habits like wearing your retainers on schedule and keeping up with regular dental checkups can save you a lot of stress — and money — later. Call the office of Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, at 713-266-4222 to book your visit now.