Elastics and Retainers

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anaxthema
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Jun 07, 2009 10:52 am
Location: Las Vegas

Elastics and Retainers

#1 Post by anaxthema »

I have two questions. The first one is about elastics.

Ok, I know how braces work, and I have a pretty good idea about how elastics work, but how do the results stay? I feel like once the elastics are taken off my bite will return to it's previous state. I'm sure it won't, and it's nothing to worry about, but I'm curious :D.

The second question is about retainers. When you think about your debanding date, does it get anyone down to suddenly remember that you're only going to be free for a short while before you have to wear retainers?

I wouldn't be bothered with the clear ones, or wearing them at night, but something tells me my ortho is going to go for the full on full out nasty ass one, or, God forbid a permanent retainer. :roll:
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Takako
Posts: 279
Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:50 pm

#2 Post by Takako »

Well, you leave the braces on for a bit after the final alignment is achieved and that helps "set" your gum/jawbone. That's why the final removal doesn't hurt, because your teeth have been sitting and growing strong in their new positions. The retainer - what ever kind you get - simply holds the teeth in place until your jaw is completely healed, and then "retains" the positions when you wear it at night.

I don't know the benefits of the two kinds of removable retainers. But YOU are the patient and customer, so YOU have the final say. I know I'm absolutely not getting bonded. Hawleys (the traditional kind with the plastic and the wire) honestly don't look that bad to me at all and I think they're the best at maintaining tooth alignment - which is the whole darn point, isn't it? lol! I wouldn't go with a clear retainer for purely aesthetic reasons especially if it isn't going to do its job.
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