How does a lower bonded retainer feel for the tongue?

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#1 Post by **QKate** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 3:01 pm

I am considering strongly the bonded retainers. But I notice my tongue right now (still braced) rests on the back of my lower teeth. How does this feel if there is a bonded metal retainer there?

#2 Post by **jennielee81** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 5:24 pm

I definately feel it, but it's not a bother. My tongue also rests on the backs of my lower teeth.

I don't know if everyone would feel this way, but it feels "normal" now. It did take a few weeks to get used to in the beginning. I had it rebonded when it broke loose last month and the new bonding actually feels better, smoother.

It is worth a try if you think you won't wear a removable retainer. I didn't have a choice so it was an easy decision for me

. I like it...it works well for me.

If you get one and find that you just can live with it (after giving it a good try) it can be removed.

#3 Post by **lionfish** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 6:08 pm

No problems here either.

#4 Post by **Chris** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:35 am

Are you guys getting any more plaque buildup around the inside of the bottom teeth because of the permanent retainer?

#5 Post by **jennielee81** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:56 am

I have not had this happen. When I was at the dentist about 8 months after having the retainer bonded, she said that I did not have any plaque buildup under or around it.

When I had to have it rebonded last month (10 months after installation) the assistant said I still had no sign of plaque.

Not saying that someone who produces a lot of plaque or someone who doesn't have extremely detailed hygiene would have the same experience. Everyone will be different.

#6 Post by **Higgy** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 12:03 am

I have upper and lower bonded and it took a LOT more time to get used to the upper retainer. but after 2 weeks now with them, I hardly notice they're there, except on the top where I have a sharp peice, but that's going to get fixed when I get debanded.

#7 Post by **Michal** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:27 am

I really don't notice my bonded retainer much anymore, only when I get a sesame see stuck in it. The only part I don't like is trying to floss around it. I can't use a threader since my bottom fronts are tight, so I loop the floss around two teeth and work it that way. The other complaint is staining around them. I brush religously, but it still stains a little around the retainer.

#8 Post by **Elspeth** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 11:42 pm

I'm bonded on the top and bottom and I no longer notice it. I've had the bonding for about 11 months now. Honestly, your tongue just gets used to the sensation - if you try to feel for it, you know its there, but otherwise it just blends into the landscape of your mouth after a while.

#9 Post by **Sandista** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 6:50 pm

I have a bonded lower from canine to canine (just received on Wed). It's bumpy back there, almost like small brackets, but they don't hurt. it impedes my speech just slightly, but I am getting used to it.