Retainers: Permanent or Removable?

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#1 Post by **sunyc** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 7:41 pm

For people who are about to finish or have finished their treatments--what type of retainers did you choose? I am leaning towards a fixed retainer because of the ease of use, but I'm worried that it will impair my speech (and be a pain to clean). Thoughts?

#2 Post by **tulip** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 7:51 pm

I'm only at the beginning of my treatment, so I can't really comment too much on which type of retainer. However, if you've been reading these message boards, one thing that struck me is how many people there are back in braces for the second time, becuase of removable retainers apparently failing to hold teeth in place longterm, even though they were worn as prescribed. At the start of my treatment, and before reading these boards, I was loathe to go with the permanent retainer, but now I am convinced that will be the way to go for me when the time comes.

#3 Post by **explortainment** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 9:26 pm

maintenance and breakage....when you have a permanent retainer, it may break and if it does and a tooth moves....they only way to get it to move back is braces...if you have removeable retainers, they can be adjusted. also, the permanent retainer trap food and make it harder to keep the area behind your teeth clean and consequently are prone to getting cavities....but what do I know....talk to your ortho..they will tell you the pros and cons of each type.