Life after braces and retainers

Message

#1 Post by **Mike88** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:01 pm

Hi,

I had braces for ~4 years from 6th grace thru middle school. Just prior to the end of treatment, I had 4 wisdom teeth pulled and had the top/bottom braces removed shortly there after. I got a Hawley retainer for the top and a permanent retainer that was attached to my front bottom teeth. After ~one year, I had the bottom permanent retained removed by my orthodontist.

A couple of years later, I have seen some minor crowding and spacing develop on my bottom front teeth. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions of what could be done. The crowding/spacing is minor and would not justify another brace treatment. My upper teeth are in good shape.

Thanks,

#2 Post by **starzz** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:01 pm

Many people need to wear retainers at night for life (maybe only a couple nights a week) to keep their teeth from shifting. Were you given a removable bottom retainer when the permanent one was removed? Are you still wearing your top Hawley?

Some minor corrections can be performed with a retainer such as a lower Hawley which can be bent. If that is not possible in your case, you might be able to do a short treatment with Invisilign potentially only on the bottom. Go see your original orthodontist if possible or get a consult with a new one. If you don't take care of this now, your teeth may well keep shifting over the years until you do need another round of braces!! That was my experience.

#3 Post by **Mike88** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:36 pm

Thank you. Appreciate the fast response.

My ortho did not give me a removable bottom retainer, in addition to the permanent one.

When I had the permanent (bottom) retainer removed, my ortho said it was no longer necessary to wear the top Hawley. I guess I should be thankful that my upper teeth have stayed in place.

Invisilign sounds like an option for my bottom teeth. Will talk to my dentist for a new ortho recommendation next week.

#4 Post by **starzz** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:53 pm

Some people's teeth move if they stop retainers, some stay. I guess it's hard to predict.

I wanted to add that it might be possible to correct your bottom teeth with a Hawley even now. So you should ask about that as well as Invisilign. I expect the retainer option would be less expensive.