What Is the Difference Between Retainers and Aligners?
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What’s the Difference Between Aligners and Retainers? Here’s What You Need to Know
At first glance, aligners and retainers may look nearly identical—they’re both clear, plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. But don’t be fooled by their similar appearance. Aligners and retainers serve two very different purposes in your orthodontic journey. Understanding the difference between them is key to getting the best results from your treatment—and making sure your smile stays straight for life.
What Are Aligners?
Aligners—like Invisalign—are custom-designed trays that guide your teeth into better alignment by applying gentle, controlled pressure. Each aligner represents the next step in your treatment, moving your teeth gradually over weeks or months. Aligners are part of the active treatment phase, and they must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to be effective. The process ends once your teeth have reached their optimal position.
What Are Retainers?
Once your treatment is complete, retainers take over. Their job is to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions—a phenomenon known as orthodontic relapse. While they may resemble aligners, retainers are not designed to move teeth, only to maintain the results of your treatment. Retainers are worn nightly for life, because your jaw and soft tissues continue to change as you age. Without them, even perfectly aligned teeth can shift within months.
Invisalign Retainers vs. Vivera Retainers
At the end of your Invisalign treatment, your dentist may offer two types of clear retainers:
🔹 Invisalign Retainer (based on your last tray)
This option is made from your final aligner, minus the attachments. It fits your teeth in their final position and can be a cost-effective solution for maintaining alignment.
Pros:
Convenient
Familiar fit
Made from your existing treatment records
Cons:
May be less precise if any final adjustments are needed
Not as durable for long-term use
🔹 Vivera Retainer (premium Invisalign retainer)
Vivera is a high-quality retainer system created from a new 3D scan after treatment. It offers a more accurate fit, better durability, and often comes in sets for easy replacement.
Pros:
Superior fit and comfort
Longer-lasting material
Multiple backup retainers provided
Ideal for long-term retention
Cons:
Slightly higher cost
Requires a new scan
Dr. Bak often recommends Vivera retainers for patients who want maximum long-term stability and comfort.
Why Both Are Essential
Aligners reshape your smile
Retainers lock it in place
Without retention, all the work done during aligner therapy can be undone. That’s why your orthodontic plan isn’t complete until your retention phase is established and maintained.
Dr. Bak’s Approach: Results That Last
Dr. Bak Nguyen brings over 25 years of experience in orthodontics and clear aligner therapy. His treatment plans include both movement and retention, so you can enjoy your results now—and for decades to come.
He’ll help you choose the best retainer based on your bite, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
What are aligners made of - Invisalign plastic material - Clear correct - Straumann - BPA-free aligners - Medical-grade plastic in clear aligners - Clear aligners comfort - Invisalign durability - Biocompatible orthodontic plastic - Orthodontist Montreal - Clear braces material -Aligner composition