Invisalign treatment and Vivera retainers FAQ

Specific training is required to provide Invisalign treatment, and both Invisalign-trained dentists and specialist orthodontists have completed this training. The difference is that an orthodontist is a dental specialist has spent 3 or more additional years in an advanced, intensive educational program and only practices orthodontics. A general dentist performs general dentistry including but no limited to check-ups, cleanings and filings. Some dentists also practice orthodontics.

You don’t need a referral to go to an orthodontist, but sometimes your dentist may give you one if he/she thinks you need specialist orthodontic treatment. Similarly, an orthodontist may refer you to a dentist if you need general dental work or a tooth extraction to complement the orthodontic work.

When a doctor decides to provide Invisalign treatment, he or she undergoes Invisalign training. The Invisalign provider training course is offered to those who have their dental practitioner qualification certificate and want to provide Invisalign treatment. This training is not a certification or warranty of a practitioner’s dental license or an endorsement of a practitioner’s dental or orthodontic skills. Once a practitioner completes the Invisalign provider training course, he or she can provide Invisalign treatment. However, the practitioner remains fully in control of, and responsible for, his or her treatment decisions. This includes designing a suitable treatment plan (including the predicted tooth movements) and prescribing a series of customised Invisalign aligners specifically to match a particular patient’s treatment plan.

The Invisalign volume-based tier designations (e.g. Platinum Elite (PE), Platinum (P), Diamond (D) and Black Diamond (BD) are based on the number of historical Invisalign cases that a provider has submitted over a defined period of time. The tier system does not represent a doctor’s clinical experience or clinical skills in orthodontic treatment. The Invisalign provider tier level designations are not recognised as specialty areas by any applicable dental associations and have no relevance to a practitioner’s dental or orthodontic skill, or a particular treatment outcome. An Invisalign provider’s Invisalign volume-based tier designation is simply a tool that a patient can use for considering a practitioner’s experience with Invisalign treatment. You should always make your own judgement in selecting a practice and provider to start your Invisalign treatment. It should also be noted that the clinical outcome from Invisalign treatment to is based on a lot of different factors that can include the condition of your teeth, compliance, the treatment plan, and the doctor’s orthodontic experience.

Since Invisalign treatment is customised to you, pricing and terms are set by each doctor. As you change doctors, you will need to settle your account with your current doctor and let them know you would like to make a change. Be sure to ask the new clinic what to expect when you are in treatment. If you’re about to start treatment, but think it’s likely you may have to switch doctors (for example, if you’re moving homes or in the military), coming to an agreement up front with your doctor regarding costs and payment schedules is a good idea.

Please see here for a list of Invisalign-trained doctors in your area. Invisalign-trained doctors who have completed our training will receive a certificate for the course completion that you can look out for in the clinic.

There are many Invisalign-trained doctors available and listed on this website.

In short, yes. Retainers prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position after braces, Invisalign treatment or other clear aligner treatments. The right retainers and retainer maintenance can protect the investment you’ve made in your smile and save you money in the long run.

Vivera retainers are made by the same team that makes Invisalign clear aligners, so you’ll get the same virtually-invisible look and comfortable, custom-fit that Invisalign aligners are known for. Doctors who have used Vivera are more satisfied with Vivera retainers than with other retainers¹ .

Vivera retainers are also 30% stronger and twice as durable as other clear retainers², and they typically come in packs of four sets. All of that adds up to a longer lifespan, fewer replacements and re-orders (less hassle), and a great value over time.

Yes! Vivera retainers are designed to maintain teeth that have been aligned by metal braces, Invisalign aligners, and other clear aligners alike! Vivera retainers can also accommodate lingual bars/wires (also known as a permanent or fixed retainer), missing teeth that require an artificial tooth, and bite ramps (also known as turbos or blocks). Ask your Vivera Provider if Vivera retainers are right for you.

Cost for Vivera retainers can vary depending on your provider. Vivera retainer orders typically include three sets, so you save on the cost of each set, and you'll always have a set handy when you need it.

They can be. It depends on your provider and specific situation – talk to your provider to understand how cost works.

Our Smile Concierge Team can help you make an appointment with your preferred Vivera provider near you. Take the time to find the right doctor for you — someone who makes you feel comfortable and has the experience you’re looking for.

Many orthodontists and dentists offer Vivera retainers, but not all do. Our Smile Concierge Team can help you find a Vivera provider near you.

All Vivera retainers are custom-fit to maximize comfort and results. Ask your doctor about getting a digital scan to be fitted for Vivera retainers. If your teeth were treated with Invisalign aligners, your doctor might be able to use your last scan or impression.

You can order Vivera retainers through your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about specific care instructions, but we typically recommend using a soft bristle toothbrush with water or a small amount of toothpaste. Rinse each retainer thoroughly with water after each cleaning.

Consult your doctor for specific guidance, but like most retainers, Vivera retainers should be replaced after a period of use. In general, Whenever your retainers look cracked, damaged or are showing signs of breakage, it’s time to switch to a fresh new set.

If you lose, break, or simply run out of your last set of Vivera retainers, just get in touch with your doctor. Your doctor can work with you on purchasing a new set of Vivera retainers, so you can keep showing off that smile!

With Vivera retainers, you get four sets of retainers, so you’re always ready with a backup.

Ultimately, retention protocols are prescribed by the doctor and can be different for your unique conditions and treatment plan. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how often you need to wear your retainers. An example protocol might include wearing the first set full time, then based on the doctor’s recommendation gradually reducing until retainers are only worn at night or even as few as three nights per week.

Yes! Vivera retainers are custom-fit to every smile and work for adults, teens, and little smiles alike.

Absolutely! Vivera retainers can work for people who have had a wide variety of treatments, including metal braces, Invisalign and other clear aligners.

We know you’ve been through a lot to get here, but because teeth continue to shift throughout life, experts are saying retention is for life. The right retainer and retainer routine will prevent your child’s teeth from shifting back over time and having to start over on braces or aligners. Vivera retainers will help you protect the investment you made in your child’s smile.

It’s no secret to any parent that things sometimes mysteriously break or go missing. With Vivera retainers, there’s always a backup handy so you can skip the ‘drop everything and get to the orthodontist’ moments.

Yes! Vivera retainers are custom-fit to every smile, and work for adults, teens, and little smiles alike. Plus, they’re virtually invisible and custom-fit for comfort so they won’t get in your way.

Ask your doctor about your specific retainer protocol, but we get it – we’re striving for consistency over years, not perfection. No need to panic if you’ve missed a night, just do your best to stick with the plan your doctor prescribed!

Yes. Teeth continue to shift over time, so dentists and orthodontists are saying that retention is for life. The right retainer and retainer routine will protect the investment you’ve made in your smile so you won’t have to start over with braces or aligners.

Talk to your provider about what you need to do to protect your smile. If you don’t currently have a provider, get in touch with our Smile Concierge, and a member of our team will help you choose your preferred provider in your area and set up an initial consultation.

Shifting happens, especially if you’ve lapsed with retention. Talk to your provider to evaluate your options. If you don’t currently have a provider, get in touch with our Smile Concierge, and a member of our team will help you choose a provider in your area and set up a consultation.

The length of your treatment will depend on your specific needs and will be determined by your Invisalign-trained doctor. The average treatment for an adult is about 12 to 18 months and for teenagers, treatment length may vary depending on each individual case and will need to be determined by the doctor.

You should wear each aligner for 20 to 22 hours a day during your treatment for best results and a timely outcome.

You will visit your Invisalign-trained doctor for a check-up approximately every 6-8 weeks to see how your treatment is progressing. During your check-ups, your Invisalign-trained doctor will check that the aligners are fitting well and make any adjustments if necessary.

You’ll be provided with enough aligners to last between visits to your doctor (usually 3-4 sets at a time). Your doctor will review your progress every 6-8 weeks and new aligners will be given to you at these appointments. It’s best to speak to your doctor about how many aligners you will be provided with between visits.

One aligner case is included in your patient starter kit.

You will usually change your aligners every 2 weeks. However, please follow your Invisalign-trained doctor’s specific instructions regarding when you need to change your aligners as this may vary between patients.

Results with the Invisalign System usually start showing a few months after starting treatment.

You should wear each aligner for 20 to 22 hours a day during your treatment for best results and a timely outcome.

No, you can usually eat what you want while in treatment because the Invisalign aligners are removed when eating or drinking. Thus, there’s no need to refrain from your favourite foods and drinks unless instructed by your doctor. However, it’s recommended that you floss and brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Except for cool water, we recommend that you don’t drink while wearing the aligners. This is to avoid cavities and stains forming on your teeth, or warping your aligners with hot beverages.

You should remove your aligners to consume anything except for water. Leaving aligners on while drinking may stain them and you may risk developing tooth decay while consuming fluids with sugar in them.

We don’t encourage smoking while wearing aligners because it’s possible for them to become discoloured.

You should not chew gum while wearing your aligners as the gum may stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including chewing gum.

It’s very unlikely that your aligners will ever fall out, no matter what you’re doing at the time (whether it’s sleeping, talking or laughing). Invisalign aligners are designed to fit firmly on the teeth so this should not be a cause for concern.

Similar to other orthodontic treatments, the Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any misarticulation or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear. Please speak to your doctor about ways to help you get used to your aligners more quickly.

It’s important that you follow the treatment plan developed by your doctor to ensure the best outcome. Your doctor will determine the recommended treatment duration for you depending on several considerations, including the spacing between your teeth and the need for retention.

It’s recommended to visit your doctor for regular visits to make sure your treatment plan is on track. If you need additional aligners due to travel periods, speak to your doctor as this is dependent on your specific case and treatment plan.

Invisalign treatment is available in more than 100 countries worldwide, and you can transfer your Invisalign treatment to another Invisalign-trained doctor to continue your treatment. Please speak to your current Invisalign-trained doctor about the process.

The aligners are made of non-toxic, medical-grade plastic and can be worn during pregnancy. If you’re concerned, please consult your healthcare professional.

While Invisalign treatment may move your teeth without the pain and anxiety of other straightening methods, some people might experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It's a sign that the Invisalign aligners are sequentially moving your teeth to their final positions. This discomfort usually goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series.

If you notice a sharp pain or have significant discomfort, stop using the aligners and contact your Invisalign-trained doctor.

Invisalign treatment is contraindicated in patients with active periodontal disease. If you have periodontal (gum) disease, you should consult your doctor before undergoing Invisalign treatment.

Warnings with Invisalign treatment include:

In rare instances, some patients may be allergic to the aligner material. If this occurs, discontinue use and speak to a healthcare professional immediately.

In rare instances, patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE), a genetic disorder, may experience rapid local swelling of tissues including the larynx. This may be triggered by mild stimuli including dental procedures. If this occurs, discontinue use and speak to a healthcare professional immediately.

Orthodontic appliances, or parts thereof, may be accidentally swallowed or inhaled, and may be harmful.

Please speak with your doctor, as he or she may need to fully remove the stained attachments and replace them.

Depending on your specific treatment, some of the movements may require either “attachments” or “ridges” to help the aligner grip the teeth. These bumps or wells are where the aligner grips the attachment the doctor places on your teeth. The attachments are actually small pieces of composite the doctor affixes to your teeth that are then gripped by bumps on your aligners. The ridges are slim indentations in your aligners. Your Invisalign-trained doctor will use one or both of these features to achieved the desired movement.

Aligners are virtually invisible and discreet, so most people will not even notice that you’re wearing them.

Other methods of aligning teeth include traditional braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. In comparing these teeth alignment methods, it’s useful to consider aesthetics, efficiency, effect on oral hygiene, comfort during treatment, compliance and removal:
 

	Invisalign aligners	Traditional braces	Ceramic braces	Lingual braces
Description	The Invisalign System uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays (aligners) that fit over teeth. Aligners are custom-made and changed every 2 weeks to gradually move teeth into the desired position.	Traditional braces are stainless steel brackets and wires that are attached to the outside of the teeth. Wires are adjusted throughout treatment to gradually move teeth into the desired position.	Traditional ceramic braces are clear brackets that are attached to the outside of the teeth. Wires can be either tooth-coloured or metal. Wires are adjusted throughout treatment to gradually move teeth into the desired position.	Lingual braces are metal brackets and wires that are bonded to the back of teeth. Wires are adjusted throughout treatment in order to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Aesthetics	Virtually invisible.	Highly visible.	Less visible than traditional braces but more visible than lingual braces and Invisalign aligners.	Virtually invisible.
Efficiency	Suitable for most cases from mild to moderate complexity. Treatment outcomes are dependent on the experience level of the practitioner.	Suitable for nearly all cases.		Suitable for most cases from mild to moderate complexity. However, it can be more difficult for doctors to manage lingual brace treatment as compared to traditional braces.
Oral Hygiene	Invisalign aligners can be removed for normal brushing and flossing, making it easier to maintain a good level of oral hygiene throughout the course of treatment.	Oral hygiene is harder to maintain with fixed braces when brushing and flossing. For these reasons, fixed appliance patients can find they have increased plague accumulation and gingival inflammation during treatment.		Because of their position on the back of teeth, it’s more difficult to brush and floss normally during treatment. This increases the chances of plaque retention and possible tooth decay.
Comfort	Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This short-term effect is typically described as a feeling of pressure. Speech may be temporarily affected at the beginning of treatment.	Mouth sores/ulcers can be caused by the irritation from components of the braces. Broken brackets and wires can also cause discomfort and may require urgent attention from your treating practitioner.		Lingual appliances can have an effect on the tongue position and may affect speech throughout treatment. Mouth sores/ulcers can also be caused by the irritation from components of the braces.
Compliance	Research show that because aligners are virtually invisible, there is a high level of patient acceptance with Invisalign treatment. However, levels of compliance with elastic wear can vary from patient to patient being treated with aligners.	High level of compliance braces are fixed to the teeth for the duration of treatment. However, levels of compliance with elastic wear can vary from patient to patient.
Removable	Removable, but aligners should be worn a minimum of 20-22 hours a day for best results.	Not removable. Braces are fixed to the teeth for the duration of orthodontic treatment.