YAYYY~

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#1 Post by **lauren** » Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:01 pm

I got my braces off today

I also got my Essix retainers - with a "fake tooth" built in for an area where I'm getting a bridge next week (and then I'll get another retainer free of charge from my orthodontist, and ANOTHER after the permanent bridge is put in, lol).

I've been instructed to wear them 24/7 for a YEAR! And then "nighttime for lifetime". I've only had them for 6 hours, but they don't bother me particularly other than being sort of a pain.

I also purchased an in-tray whitening kit from him.

He didn't ask about it, but I asked HIM!

#2 Post by **Phantom Muse** » Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:31 pm

Congratulations! Your teeth look fabulous!

By the way, my daughter's ortho told her she needed to wear her retainers full time for at least three months, but 1 1/2 months into it told me that he starts with that estimate because he wants to increase compliance. At 1 1/2 months, she went to nighttime wear only. Maybe it will be the same for you?!

#3 Post by **Margie** » Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:39 pm

Congratulations! You teeth look great!

#4 Post by **drrick** » Wed Jun 23, 2010 2:03 pm

Make sure you finish your whitening at least 2 weeks before the shade is taken for your bridge.

Any reason you are getting a bridge instead of an implant?
I know you cant always get an implant and am just curious.

#5 Post by **drrick** » Wed Jun 23, 2010 2:07 pm

oops. forgot to say how nice your teeth look

#6 Post by **lauren** » Thu Jun 24, 2010 2:05 pm

drrick wrote:Make sure you finish your whitening at least 2 weeks before the shade is taken for your bridge.

Any reason you are getting a bridge instead of an implant?
I know you cant always get an implant and am just curious.

Why 2 weeks before?

The implant feels less "natural" to me. I a)don't want a bone graft, which I'd need, and b)don't like the idea of having a screw in my skull, lol. I know that the bridge requires more anal hygiene and potential to replace every 10-20 yrs, but I'm A-OK with that. (Not to mention the cost discrepancy! I can afford an implant, but at $5k, if I don't HAVE to I'm not crying about it.)

#7 Post by **drrick** » Thu Jun 24, 2010 2:19 pm

whitening rebounds a bit on color so if you match the color immediately after whitening with no time allowed for rebound your bridge may not match your other teeth.

Depending on the type of bridge too you may neeed to prepare perfectly healthy teeth if you want any type of long term durability.