1980s attitudes about retention

[Loran]

I know from speaking with a Professor of Orthodontics that retention is one of the most common reasons for litigation in dentistry today. You could say that retention is orthodontists 'dirty little secret'. Things have changed and nowadays practitioners will have you sign a consent form to say you are aware of the importance and responsibility of retention. But at the end of the day most retention solutions have their draw backs. Fixed retainers often break and only control the front teeth, and plastic retainers all get manky and need continual replacement. Here is an article that discuses this in more detail. http://www.somnowell.com/blog-entry/556

[coconutqueen]

An interesting read, albeit rather pessimistic about the robustness of retainers.

I've had fixed retainers on my front teeth for over four years now. The only time I get a little irritated with them is when food gets stuck, and that's not real often.

My top essix retainer recently cracked and was replaced. My bottom retainer is still going strong. That's more than four years' life I got out of one essix retainer and who knows how long the other will last. Not too bad I reckon.

[plugnickel69]

Loran: I wouldn't place much stock in the Somnowell "article." It's actually an advertisement. They want to sell their own retaining product. Retention is obviously a real concern, and my ortho began discussing retention with me at my first consult, let me know of some options, and warned me that retention wouldn't be a slam dunk.

Not to worry though, as I'm resigned to go through this procedure again every 50 years.

[coconutqueen]

Not to worry though, as I'm resigned to go through this procedure again every 50 years.

I'm not.