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Absolutely NO question in my mind - I will agree with my ortho's recommendation and get permanent top and bottom retainers. I would definitely wear the removable ones at night - but I don't think that is the issue in my case. It's the concern that teeth can shift during the day which would be the majority of time you are NOT in removable retainers. Makes sense to me.
I will nooooo way risk getting braces again. This is my 2nd time in them too - had them once from age 13 to 16.5. Got them again at 46 and I'll be in them for a minimum of 12 months maybe more. I'm happy to have perm retainers and I know MANY adults who wear them.
Good luck!
Ceramic uppers and metal lowers
Estimated treatment time: 12-14 months
Just to add that my ortho told me the two retainers do different things - the permanent ones stop gaps opening up between your teeth if they decide to try to move sideways, whereas the removable temporary ones are to stop your teeth tilting forward or backwards or rotating, whilst your bone and gums get used to the new position of your teeth. So definitely stick with whatever it is the ortho tells you to do when you get your braces off!
By the way your teeth will feel really weird for a few days after so don't do what I did and plan a big celebratory meal of something you've been missing for the last few years on that first night, because all you'll want that day is something soft! Save the pig out for at least a few days later!
Thanks for the advice re celebratory meals, bushbaby! I had planned on going out for a slap up meal but I'll put it off for a while now!
My nerves about retainers are lessening by the day as my excitement at getting debraced increases! It's all I can think about at the moment - and I haven't even got a definite date yet, goodness knows what I'll be like when I do!
I really appreciate everyone's responses and I knew I'd get sensible replies from everyone - so thanks all!
Hmmm... my ortho said I should have a bonded retainer for a least a few years to help really set my teeth, but then I could think about having it removed. Forever is best, obviously, but for some the inconvenience is just too much.
Either way, I'll have a removable retainer for life. But for me that is totally deal-able.
