Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi, I will be getting my braces off in the next 4-6 weeks (hoorah!). The Ortho advised I will have a permanent retainer on the bottom and a removable one on the top.
So many people I know have had their teeth move significantly after braces (both my sisters have crooked teeth again after being braced for 3 years plus). Is it possible to have the wire on the top as well? Is this a good idea or a bad idea?

I've only just started my treatment (lingual brace on top teeth) but my orthodontist is going to use a permanent, bonded retainer on the top teeth (as well as a removable one for a few months) when the treatment is finished.

You can absolutely have a fixed retainer on your upper teeth. Keep in mind that it may make the job of flossing more difficult, even when compared to the lower teeth. It will also depend on how your bite is following treatment. In some cases, a fixed retainer may be "in the bite", and interfere with proper closure. Fixed retainers may also require the use of removable retainers as well.

Speak to your orthodontist to determine the retainer that is best for you. Good luck!

Blossom wrote:Hi, I will be getting my braces off in the next 4-6 weeks (hoorah!). The Ortho advised I will have a permanent retainer on the bottom and a removable one on the top.
So many people I know have had their teeth move significantly after braces (both my sisters have crooked teeth again after being braced for 3 years plus). Is it possible to have the wire on the top as well? Is this a good idea or a bad idea?

Did your sisters wear their retainers as directed? I'm asking b/c I made a post related to the subject.

Hi Braceface, in both cases my sisters wore the retainers as required, they also wore braces 2-3 years compared to my 12!