New retainer - not sure what it is!

[jf66]

Hi all,

About a week ago i got my top braces off after 2 years (still have bottoms for another while) My ortho gave me a retainer to wear on my top teeth, at first he said every night, then maybe that will change.

Anyway, i now have a very small gap between my two top teeth which wasnt there when i got my braces off, however, the device looks like it can be adjusted. It's a clear plastic device with wires surrounding my teeth, but its two-halves split in the middle of the plastic with 3 screw-like things and an arrow pointing forward. The closest thing i can find on google to this is called a palatal expander, but he never said anything about this. I was not told anything about adjusting it, just to bring it with me next time. As far as i have been told this is a retainer

I would just like to know what exactly this is doing and if it may adjust the gap by itself?

Thanks!

[alimommy1]

Did you ask your ortho what the extra parts are for? I wonder if the arrow forward is supposed to bring your teeth out more or something, then the gap would disappear lol. I would ask, anybody who answers here except an ortho would only be guessing.

[UGHBRACES]

It is a retainer, I have the same one as you explain. They are adjustable, best to call the ortho with your concerns.

[jf66]

Yeah thats the type!. I figured it was adjustable, i will call and ask him about the gap.

Thanks