I've had braces since Nov. 2006, and hopefully I'm reaching the end of my treatment. I know I'll have to wear a retainer, but my ortho hasn't discussed any options with me yet. He's not the best source of info unfortunately (when I asked him years ago how long I would have to wear a retainer, his response was "Well, I'd never tell you not to wear it").
I'd like to move far away from my current town, but I've already paid the doctor in full for my treatment. How often do you go to the ortho with a retainer? I'd hate to move and have to pay another ortho for treatment.
What exactly is the bottom retainer? Looking online, it seems like it's permanently attached to the bottom row of teeth. True?
Are there restrictions on what type of retainer you can get? I'd like to get the clear, Invsalign-style ones. Are those only available for certain cases.
Thanks for any information.
I Know Nothing About Retainers!
Moderator: bbsadmin
I believe the retainer you're referring to is a lower bonded retainer, which is a wire that is glued behind the bottom 6 teeth. Its can be permanent, though most people get them removed after a few years. They can also be placed on the upper teeth as well. They're designed to work in conjunction with removable retainers as well, both Essix (the clear, Invisalign type) and Hawley (the traditional removable wire retainer) Generally speaking, bonded retainers are convenient since they're unable to be lost, they hold really well and they're invisible. The only real negative is the fact that you still have something in your mouth that can't be readily removed, and flossing those few teeth that its bonded to. In most adult cases, an ortho will recommend a lower bonded retainer, since the lower teeth seem to shift more in adults. But in the end, its your money and your call. You can go with what your ortho wants, but you're the customer.
Permanent retainer
Hi,
I had a permanent bottom retainer for a couple of years after braces. It was simply a piece of wire that bent across 6 bottom teeth and bonded at each end. As retainers go, it was easy to get used to, low profile and invisible to others.
You are welcome to explore other options with your ortho, but I wouldn't worry too much about the permanent retainer being difficult to get used to.
Good luck!
Mike
I had a permanent bottom retainer for a couple of years after braces. It was simply a piece of wire that bent across 6 bottom teeth and bonded at each end. As retainers go, it was easy to get used to, low profile and invisible to others.
You are welcome to explore other options with your ortho, but I wouldn't worry too much about the permanent retainer being difficult to get used to.
Good luck!
Mike