Permanent retainer (small metal placed behind your teeth)

Message

#1 Post by **mickeyariam28** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:27 am

Ok, I need some info on permanent retainers. I wore braces in the 8th grade and then my teeth looked great. Since I've gotten older I can't remember the last time I wore my plastic retainers. So now I think i'm going to wear braces for a short time to align my teeth again but this time I'm interested in getting the permanent retainers because i just can't seem to remember to wear my retainers EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. So question is how do the permanent retainers work? Once they're in, thats it for life? Like do the retainers keep them in line for life? And also can I get those retainers placed behind my top as well as the bottom row of teeth? I also am thinking my motivation for going through w/the braces again is the chance they may stay in place this time w/the permanent retainers. Please help

#2 Post by **Geri** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 2:48 pm

Hi mickeyariam28! Sorry I can't help as I haven't got to the retainers stage yet. Why don't you post your message on "The Naked Tooth" board as there are lots of people there who discuss retainers (permanent, essix, hawley). Hope this helps you find the answers - Good luck!

#3 Post by **Infamy** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 3:06 pm

Yes, you can get permanent retainers on the top and bottom. However, your occlusion may not allow that.

While you can always request permanent retainers, that's not guarantee that you will receive them. Your orthodontist will tell you what retainer is best for your situation.

For me, I have permanent upper and lower retainers. At my last appointment, while my orthodontist was bonding my upper retainer, he decided I'd also be getting a clear, Essix-style retainer for my top arch to, "help out this (bonded) retainer."

#4 Post by **mickeyariam28** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 6:10 am

Hey guys thanks so much for the advise. Geri and you're right I will try posting to Naked Tooth. I am curious to ask the docs if they can tell me if I can get the permanent retainers before I get the braces cause like I said my main motivation for doing this again is the permanent retainers. thanks guys!