retainer check-ups

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#1 Post by **Maggie** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 1:56 pm

Once the braces are removed, how often do you need to go for retainer check-ups? Do people with bonded retainers need to follow up with an orthodontist indefinitly?

#2 Post by **Allykat** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:08 pm

When I first got my upper Hawley, I had to go back ever 4 weeks or so for a checkup because they were trying to close some minor gaps. After that, I only had to go back once or twice - at 6 weeks then 6 months just to double check. However, everytime i go for a cleaning, they double check the retainer.

In terms of the bonded retainer - once it's on, it's on. I've only had to go back once to have it rebonded. (that's what you get for eating baby carrots!)

Good luck!!

#3 Post by **sunflr77** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 7:39 pm

I have to go back in 1 month, then 3 months and then 6 months. If everything is ok after 6 months I think I"m off the hook unless I have some issue with my bonded retainers.

#4 Post by **csblackburn** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 9:36 pm

This may be a silly question, but do bonded retainers stay on for life or do they remove them after a year or two?

Thanks,
Cary

#5 Post by **Grapefruit** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 6:54 pm

csblackburn wrote:This may be a silly question, but do bonded retainers stay on for life or do they remove them after a year or two?

Hey,

Yes, I think they stay on. I haven't had my braces removed yet, but my brother-in-law had braces when he was a teenager and now he is 24, and he still has it. Also, one of my friends who also had braces while growing up, still has hers. But, they only have bottom ones and I think they are only on like 4 or 5 teeth.

bye

#6 Post by **Dr. Randall** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 9:04 am

All retainers should be considered lifetime appliances. The length of time between visits gets longer (my schedule is 1 mo, 3 mo, 8 mo, then every 12 months). I will see patients as long as they would like to come back and have their retainers checked.

Randall

#7 Post by **jenns91civic** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:44 pm

The receptionist at my ortho told me it would be $109 per appointment to have my retainer checked so I havent been back since April. I have an issue with my upper one but I don't have $109 laying around to have it checked then another $109 to replace it if needed. I've tried to get clear pics of it to ask if anyone knows if it is ok the way it is (there is some acrylic missing on the inside, in the back corner where it sits just above my molar. There is a little curved wire just in that spot too, but not on the other side..I'm not sure what that curved wire is for or if it hurts me to not have the acrylic covering it...) Any ideas?

#8 Post by **johnnys_angel** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 4:14 pm

Does that curved wire affect your teeth at all, such as moving or pain? Because if it does, it could be slowly moving your teeth in the 'wrong' position, or something like that. I personally think it would be cheaper to spend the $109 and get the problem fixed, then to eventually need braces again. Best of luck!

#9 Post by **jenns91civic** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 10:20 pm

It hurts the gum tissue if something (like my tongue) presses on it directly but other than that it doesnt cause any problems that I know of. I'm really curious why my retainer was made with that extra curvy wire just on that one side. I have taken pics but they all come out too blurry.