aff1959
Junior Member

Hi gap -

Thank you for your response. From all I have read on this site, I am convinced the bonded retainer is the way to go, if oral hygeine is done daily. I'm not sure what the advantages/disadvantages are to both vivera retainers (one retainer that covers wire and one retainer that doesn't.)

Hi aff1959,
Congratulations on completing your treatment. I actually did not proceed with a bonded wire retainer. I have been wearing the Vivera retainers now for the past 4 months, and I am very happy with the retention. I slowly reduced my wear time to about 8 hours, while sleeping. The bonded wires are only in place to maintain retention on the anterior 4-6 teeth. The Vivera in your case are in place to maintain your molars and any arch movement that your treatment addressed. To answer your question, yes: If a bonded wire breaks, the Vivera will maintain your anterior teeth.

I believe you can proceed with Vivera as your retention option and not have bonded wires. The Vivera are intended to maintain retention of your entire arch front to back. The cons to the bonded wires are the oral hygeine maintenance and recommended follow up appointment with your Ortho periodically to ensure the mechanical integrity of the wire/bond. You can avoid all of this by using Vivera exclusively.