Dental work after you have retainers?

Message

#1 Post by **KUMonkeyMomma** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 1:41 pm

The other post about retainers and how many you get (must remember to ask that at my next appt), can you order more, etc got me thinking about other stuff too.

I have a number of fillings that I know over time will need to be redone - I had a couple/few redone before I started treatment but I have more than will need to be done. Since I do have dental insurance that covers $1000 per year my thought was to do a couple/few each year (change the old metal fillings to the white composite type to they look nicer since all 7 or the 8 back teeth have metal fillings (the other molar has a white one and looks so much better).

I'm wondering if I have that done after impressions for the retainer are done - or years into wearing a retainer, how does that work - do I have to get new retainers every time I get one done or can they use my last tray to mold the new filling to the right shape so that the retainers fit? I know he did this when I had to get the one white filling done (the corner of my molar broke off), so would think they could do this for the rest too.

#2 Post by **drrick** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 2:53 pm

Typically when you get filling the rets typically fit fine.
If not it is usually a very simple adjustment to get everything fitting right.

It may be different if the teeth are severely worn and you are rebuilding height or tooth form but for the most part this is a non-issue.

#3 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 8:46 pm

This situation is going to depend on the type of retainer you have.

If it is a removable wired retainer, it can be relatively easily modified to fit any restorations.

If it is an aligner-style retainer, there may be challenges in certain situations, but generally, the fit is quite good after the restorations are adjusted.

The best idea is to get all of the restorations completed prior to having a final retainer made. Then take good care of your teeth so that no new restorations are required :). A new impression may be required if your restorations change the shape of your teeth significantly.

Good luck!

#4 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 8:50 pm

This situation is going to depend on the type of retainer you have.

If it is a removable wired retainer, it can be relatively easily modified to fit any restorations.

If it is an aligner-style retainer, there may be challenges in certain situations, but generally, the fit is quite good after the restorations are adjusted.

The best idea is to get all of the restorations completed prior to having a final retainer made. Then take good care of your teeth so that no new restorations are required :). A new impression may be required if your restorations change the shape of your teeth significantly.

Good luck!