Lower Fixed Retainer

Message

#1 Post by ***angie*** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:50 pm

I've had a lower fixed retainer since I got my braces removed almost 8 years ago. Recently it broke and I went to get it replaced since I didn't want my teeth moving. The first retainer I had was only anchored to two teeth and laid flat against my teeth in between. This time there are huge balls of cement on every tooth and the wire is almost a quarter of an inch from my teeth. It's driving me crazy! I can't eat anything without it getting caught, I can't floss, I have a lisp and I feel like a barely have room for my tongue. I didn't have the ortho do it; his assistant did. I just wanted to know before I call to complain, is this the way some fixed retainers are being done these days, or did she mess up?

#2 Post by **Beckster** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:55 pm

The one I have is probably like the one you had previously, where it is anchored to 2 teeth, with a smooth wire that sits inbetween. So, yes there still are those type out there.

When I got my braces off for the second time, I was given one the first time like the one you are describing, and I felt the same way you do. Thats when I went back to get the kind I have now.

I would try and ask your ortho for one like you had previously.

Good luck and let me know how it goes!

~Becky

#3 Post by ***angie*** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:39 pm

Beckster: Did they just use the existing wire, or did you have to get another one made? Did you have to pay for the new retainer again?

#4 Post by **Beckster** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:54 pm

I had to get another one made, and did not have to pay for it. Good luck!

#5 Post by **jennielee81** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:02 pm

Mine is glued onto each tooth with a glob of cement.

Here's a picture if it helps:

#6 Post by **urfutureortho** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:40 pm

My bonded retainer is like yours jeenielee81. Anyways, angie, the one you described, the one like jeenielee81's yeh, it's supposed to feel like that, you get used to it after a while. It only took me a day to get used to it, maybe a day or two, but you know. Anyways, it doesn't bother me at all and I've had it for about 3-4 years now and I don't even notice it sometimes. So, just stick it out or if you want to ask about the other one you had, I'm sure it would serve the same purpose. I'm sure there was a reason your ortho decided to use the other bonded this time, but like I said ask. They like it when you ask questions, well at least most of them anyways.
-Urfutureortho

#7 Post by ***angie*** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:44 am

Mine is not smoothly bonded like the one pictured; it sticks out a lot more and the edges are very sharp. I think I will at least make an appointment to talk to my ortho, it has been over a week and everything I eat still gets caught in it and it is impossible to floss, since the cement got in between my teeth! Thanks for the help!

#8 Post by **urfutureortho** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:06 pm

Yeh, it shouldn't do that. At least not that I know of. So, I think you should ask your ortho about this one. Sorry I couldn't help as much as I thought I did.
-Urfutureortho