Retainer Replacement

The retainer subscription is a recurring plan that delivers replacement Vivera retainers at a set interval. Rather than ordering a new set when your current retainer wears through, the subscription anticipates the replacement window and delivers before the fit deteriorates. It is available for McComb Orthodontics patients completing active treatment and for patients who finished treatment at any other practice.

The delivery interval is set based on your wear pattern and whether you grind. Standard Vivera retainers last 12 to 18 months with nightly wear. Patients who grind typically wear through a set in 6 to 9 months. The subscription interval is confirmed at your scan appointment based on your specific situation. [VERIFY with Kevin: confirm the available delivery intervals and whether patients can adjust the cadence mid-subscription.]

Yes. McComb Orthodontics accepts subscription patients from any practice. The process begins with an iTero 3D scan of your current tooth position to establish an accurate retainer prescription. A new scan is required regardless of whether your original provider has records. Once the prescription is set, replacement retainers are delivered on the subscription schedule.

If you notice your retainer fitting less precisely, contact McComb Orthodontics before the next delivery. Minor recent shifting can sometimes be addressed with a new retainer fabricated from a fresh scan. More significant shifting may require a short course of Invisalign refinement before the subscription resumes. The subscription does not account for mid-course shifting automatically, so reporting fit changes early is important.

Yes. Patients who grind are particularly well-suited for a subscription because their replacement window is shorter and more predictable, typically 6 to 9 months compared to 12 to 18 months for non-grinders. The subscription interval can be set to match the grinding wear pattern so new retainers arrive before the current set wears through entirely. Vivera retainers also provide some grinding protection, serving a dual function for bruxism patients.

The subscription starts with an iTero scan appointment at any McComb Orthodontics location. The scan captures your current tooth position and establishes the retainer prescription. For patients completing active treatment, the subscription is set up at the final treatment appointment. For new subscription patients coming from other practices, the scan appointment is the first step. Call (310) 299-8894 to schedule.

Absolutely, you are welcome to use your 3 sets of retainers (assuming you opt for the buy 2 get 1 free option) however you'd like. You can use all 3 on a recurring schedule (perhaps yearly), gift one to a family/friend, or get all 3 up front if you are planning to move away! 

The first set of Vivera retainers is included in the McComb Orthodontics treatment fee for all patients completing active treatment. The subscription covers subsequent replacement sets delivered after that first set. For patients starting a subscription who finished treatment elsewhere, the first set is the initial subscription delivery and is not included at no charge.

The subscription interval is based on the expected lifespan of your retainer given your wear habits and grinding pattern. If your retainers are lasting longer than the interval, contact McComb Orthodontics to adjust the delivery cadence. 

Replacement retainers after the initial set are typically not covered by dental insurance and are an out-of-pocket expense. However, orthodontic retainers are eligible expenses under most FSA and HSA plans. Kevin can provide the itemized receipt needed for FSA or HSA reimbursement at any point during the subscription. The initial set included in the McComb Orthodontics treatment fee is subject to any orthodontic insurance benefit the patient holds.