Can I go 3 hours without retainer?

Message

#1 Post by **Nicholas** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 12:19 pm

Hi,

My braces are off! I had them off on Thursday last week. It is now Monday and I have been wearing my hawley retainer faithfully.

But, I worry about speech. I am a professor and I need to give a 3 hour lecture today.

How long can I go without wearing my retainer? I'm terribly afraid I will lose 2 years of teeth straightening!

#2 Post by **Chris** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:10 pm

Your speech issues should go away within a week or two.
Don't worry about 3 hours without them.

But its true...3 hours can lead to 4, 5, 6...you may enjoy it too much.

#3 Post by **Chris** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:10 pm

Your speech issues should go away within a week or two.
Don't worry about 3 hours without them.

But its true...3 hours can lead to 4, 5, 6...you may enjoy it too much.

#4 Post by **smile2006** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:56 pm

I am a university professor as well. When I got my retainer I just bit the bullet and taught a class with it in. I was a bit lispy at first but adjusted quickly (within one 3 hour class). Baptisim by fire is a good approach

#5 Post by **gracie381** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:54 am

3 hours won't be a problem! My ortho said I could spend about 2-3 hours each day without mine. He just said that my retainers might feel a little tight when I put them back in!! I left mine out about six hours the other night and didn't notice any difference when I put my retainer back in before bed!! I just try not to go over the 3 hours a day, especially during these next few months, since I just had mine removed!

#6 Post by **Nicholas** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:24 am

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I dcided to bite the bullet and give my lecture while wearing the retainer. The students were most understanding, and several smiles came up -- I forgot to mention, I am an Anthropology Professor. My lecture topic was on Australopithecus!

Try saying that about 200 times, along with a bunch of other Latin terms!

Sufferin Succotash!