I'm European, so when you guys write "retainers" I'm not really sure what you mean. I'm 18 and I've had braces since I was 16 or 17, and I guess they're coming off within the next few months. Atleast I hope so.
Ok.
Questions;
1) The retainers everybody keeps talking about, that one has to wear 24/7, are those the plastic things that covers the entire roof of your mouth? Aren't they disgusting? Or is it just the tiny metal wire they glue to the back of your teeth?
2) I've never met someone who've had to wear those huge plastic ones 24/7. On American messageboards/websites about braces, people keep saying that they wear their retainers all day and all night for years.
All my friends who've had braces have worn their retainers at nights only, and only for half a year or so. Actually, most of them didn't wear them at all, and they've been just fine. A friend of mine said it grossed her out so badly that she wore it for a few nights and then just never used it again. Her teeth've been perfect for years and years now.
And most importantly.
3) When someone says one might have to wear them FOR LIFE.. you're kidding, right?
A huge plastic monster in the top of your mouth forever? What, you're just supposed to walk around, spontaniously regurgitating and not kissing anyone or talking properly for the rest of your life? I've never heard of this happening to anyone.
I need answers, oh so many answers. Thanks in advance.
