Professional
retainer!

After the braces are removed or the final aligner is taken out, the bone tissue and periodontal ligaments supporting the teeth need time to ossify and remodel. Without a retainer, the teeth will begin to shift back to their pre-treatment, misaligned positions due to their natural „memory” (relapse). A retainer ensures that the beautiful smile you have achieved will last a lifetime.

The aligner should be cleaned every morning, after removal, using lukewarm (never hot!) water and a soft toothbrush, along with a gentle liquid soap or cleaning tablets specifically designed for clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals). Avoid toothpastes with granules, because they cause micro-scratches on the surface of the rail, where bacteria can adhere and the rail can become worn.

Not necessarily! KS Orthodontics and Dental Studio securely stores your iTero® 3D digital impression, taken at the end of your orthodontic treatment, in the cloud. If, years later, you run out of all your spare parts, even without taking a print, we can order another pack for you based directly on your previously saved ideal condition.

A slight feeling of tightness is completely natural, especially in the first few days after removal, or if you’ve forgotten to wear the retainer for a few days. This indicates that the retainer is actively doing its job and preventing your teeth from shifting slightly. The tightness usually disappears completely within 1–2 days.

Wearing the aligner is most critical during the first few months after treatment, but to maintain the straight smile achieved, it is recommended that the aligner be worn at night in the long term, for years – effectively for life.

After treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. This is usually a removable splint that you must wear at night. In addition, depending on the individual case, we may also recommend a metal wire fixed to the inside of your front teeth. You may need to wear these appliances for several years to maintain the results achieved. Furthermore, your dentist may recommend that you undergo speech therapy to maintain your health and learn correct tongue and mouth positioning.

The first time after the braces have been removed 20–22 hours a day, seven days a week You must wear the splint and may only remove it for meals and when brushing your teeth. After the first week, you should wear it only at night. This daily (night-time) wear of 8–10 hours is necessary to ensure that the teeth and bone tissue stabilise sufficiently.

The purpose of a retention splint is to maintain the results achieved. Cheaper, lower-quality plastics:

• They stretch out quickly: They lose their support, so the teeth can shift without you noticing.

• They are more prone to cracking or breaking: They wear out quickly due to chewing stress or night-time teeth grinding.

• They are uncomfortable and become discoloured: Weaker, porous plastics are more prone to discolouration, absorb odours and can rub against the gums.

Vivera is the Invisalign (Align Technology) its own premium retention system. Compared to other clear aligners:

• Stronger and more durable than the 30%: Thanks to the patented, medical-grade thermoplastic material, it is much more resistant to wear and deformation.

• Made using iTero 3D scanning: Laser/optical scanning ensures a precise fit, so the aligner moulds perfectly to the teeth and gum line without causing any rubbing.

• Invisible and comfortable: Thanks to its velvety, smooth surface, it is barely noticeable and does not interfere with speech.

Invisalign Vivera does not consist of a single aligner, but generally in a set comprising several pairs is coming. This brings two huge advantages:

1. Safety margin: If you lose a rail or it gets damaged, you can switch to the next one straight away, so your dentures won’t be left without support for a single day.

2. Saved 3D model: A digital impression of your teeth is stored in the system. If, years later, you need a new aligner, you can reorder the original one – in perfect condition – without the need for further impressions or medical hassle.

Most retainers are ruined not by wearing them, but by being cleaned incorrectly.

• The biggest mistake is using hot water: Hot or warm water will warp or deform the heat-softening plastic, rendering the splint unusable and damaging your teeth. Only lukewarm or cold water should be used.

• Avoid plain toothpaste: Most toothpastes contain abrasive particles, which leave tiny micro-scratches on the surface of the mouthguard. Bacteria multiply in these scratches, causing the mouthguard to become dull and smelly.

• The correct method: Clean them with liquid, fragrance-free soap and a soft toothbrush, and use a special cleaning tablet (e.g. Invisalign cleaning crystals or cleaning tablets for retainers) once or twice a week.

A common dilemma on forums is whether just one is enough, or why the doctor recommends both.

• Fixed wire (inner bend): A fine wire bonded to the inner surfaces of the incisors protects the first six teeth – which are most prone to shifting – for 0–24 hours. It is inconspicuous, but does not hold the back molars in place.

• Removable splint (e.g. Vivera): It secures the entire dental arch, including the molars, and prevents the dentures from widening or narrowing.

• „Double protection” is best: In modern orthodontics, the combination of the two is the most effective: the wire continuously holds the front teeth in place, whilst the splint worn over it keeps the entire dental arch stable.