So, you’ve finished your orthodontic treatment- congrats! But before you kick back and flash that perfect smile forever, there’s one final (and super important) step: retention. At McComb Orthodontics, we’re all about helping you keep your smile as flawless as the day your braces or Invisalign came off. Let’s talk about two common retention options: fixed retainers and Vivera clear retainers, and why we recommend one over the other.

What Is a Fixed Retainer?

A fixed retainer is a thin metal wire that’s bonded behind your front teeth- usually the lower six. It stays in place 24/7 to prevent your teeth from shifting. Some patients love the idea of a “set-it-and-forget-it” solution, especially if they’re worried about forgetting to wear a removable retainer.

But here’s what you should know before choosing this option:

• They only stabilize the front teeth. Since the wire only spans the front six teeth, it doesn’t support the rest of your arch. We’ve seen cases where back teeth collapse inward, narrowing the entire arch.
• Oral hygiene gets trickier. Flossing around a fixed retainer is difficult, and if plaque builds up, it can impact both gum health and enamel.
• They can break. Just like braces or wires, fixed retainers aren’t indestructible. If they come loose, you’ll need to come in for repairs.
• They cost $600 at our office and require ongoing maintenance.

Why We Recommend Vivera Clear Retainers

While fixed retainers have their place, at McComb Orthodontics, we typically recommend Vivera clear retainers- and here’s why:

Full-arch protection
Vivera retainers keep all your teeth in place, not just the front ones. That means your bite and arch shape stay stable long-term.

Enamel protection
These retainers act like a night guard at night, helping protect your teeth from wear caused by clenching or grinding.

Nightly wear = lifelong results
Just pop them in before bed, and your smile stays exactly where it should.

Easy maintenance
Unlike fixed retainers, there’s no need to navigate around wires when brushing or flossing.

Some patients still opt for fixed retainers if they know they’ll forget to wear a removable one, but with just nightly wear, Vivera makes it easy to stay on track.

Bottom Line

We’ll always tailor your retainer plan to your lifestyle and smile goals, but in most cases, Vivera is the gold standard. It’s more than just a retainer- it’s a long-term investment in the smile you worked so hard for.

Got questions about which retainer is right for you? Text or call us- we’re always happy to help.