Retainer Questions

[ellebee]

Hi All, Long time no see.

I got my braces off in late March and I'm not really all that happy with the results. My lower laterals are more-or-less straight (they were rotated 45 degrees inward) but I'm left with triangle-shaped spaces at the bases because the teeth are wider at the top than the bottom. They aren't very visible but they bother me a lot.

My questions. I have a bonded bottom retainer that I hate. It is bonded to all 6 front lower teeth (4 incisors and 2 canines). It sticks out and is irregular, not smooth and I can't properly floss. I can use threaders or superfloss, but I like to floss all the way up and down between my teeth.

Is there such a thing as a bottom retainer that you just wear at night?

Also, my top retainer (that I wear at night) is made of a pliable rubbery substance. I don't mind wearing it but it is turning green. I have tried everything, denture cleaner, peroxide, vinegar, hand soap, you name it, and nothing removes the green. I guess it is mold or mildew. Whatever it is, it's gross. I definitely want to get it replaced with a harder night guard like I used to have for grinding.

Anyone know if there are bottom retainers for night wear and how to clean a rubber top retainer?

Thanks!

Elle