The Importance of Taking Vivara and Essix Retention Fit Photos
When it comes to your cases, making sure that you’ve got proof of your work is hugely important – and Vivara and Essix retention fit photos are critical as part of this. Luckily, we’ve outlined some of the key things you need to know about this to help ensure that finishing cases is done correctly.
Why Vivara and Essix Retention Fit Photos are So Important
Vivara and Essix retention fit photos are crucially important when finishing cases, and they provide a simple way to ensure your cases are going smoothly.
Now, it’s important to recognize here that Vivara and Essix retention fit photos are vitally important during the final session. Always take photos before removing the braces (etc) and further photos with the retainers in to help prove your case.
Make sure to get plenty of photos with the retainers in, both with the teeth open and closed shut. These must always be taken in high definition so they are clear and easy to see.
Final photos should be taken after the patient (and their parent, if applicable) have signed the release to confirm they are happy with the outcome of the treatment plan. Always include the retainer information and rules as part of this.
What If I Don’t Get Photos?
These documents should also clarify factors such as the price of treatments for relapses; if you don’t have photos showing the retainers fitting snugly, they could claim that the retainers never fit (and you’ll be unable to prove otherwise). This could leave you getting caught out paying for the relapse retreatment when it’s not actually your fault.
Further Points to Consider for Finishing Ortho Cases with Retention
In addition to taking Vivara and Essix retention fit photos, there are several other factors you should consider to improve the results with your patients’ treatment plans.
Some key things to consider:
– Always partner with a professional provider (unless you have a full, dedicated in-house lab)
– Consider carefully why relapses occur in your patients, whether they are due to patient error, manufacturing error, or your error
– Plan for retainer numbers; the first case usually comes with four upper and four lower retainers, which should be enough for the first few years unless damage occurs. You may need additional retainers down the line, though, so always clarify this to the patient; many patients assume that their clear aligners will last for life, but this often isn’t the case.
– Keep in mind: while patients should ideally wear their retainers continuously to start with, many won’t. Always plan for this and monitor it during treatments.
– Wean patients off full-time retainers gradually. Going from full-time to numerous hours off can result in the retainers feeling very tight when they’re put back in, which may cause discomfort to the patient and reduce the results.
– Continue seeing patients for check-ins until they are able to wear the retainer just overnight.
Final Thoughts
If you have been looking to optimize your orthodontics treatment planning, always ensure you’re finishing cases with Vivara and Essix retention fit photos to stay safe.
And remember: if you’re looking to get started in your journey as a general dentist providing orthodontic services, our team here at Straight Smile Solutions can help you pick out the ideal treatment plan for each case. Our Concierge and VIP programme clients can enjoy a one-on-one consultation with our team to find the ideal option.

