Metal Mouth Message Board

I had extraction of my lower bicuspids(the ones right in front of the molars) and the ortho used a combination of powerchains and class II elastics to bring the molars forward. The gaps are just about closed but i'm wondering when the braces come off and i get a permanent retainer on the bottom teeth will the molars move backwards into their old position? the permanent retainer only goes on the front teeth not the back ones...

I imagine your doctor will likely give you a removable retainer to wear at night in addition to your permanent retainer.

It is a standard practice for many orthodontists to only have a permanent retainer on the bottom incisors or even a removable "spring retainer" on only the front six teeth. My daughter, who had extractions, has a permanent one. No need to worry. There are a bunch of factors that influence keeping your teeth straight.