Using alligner as a retainer

Message

#1 Post by **pompompadom** » Thu Oct 14, 2010 12:51 pm

Can you wear your last alligner as a reatiner even though you've had your attatchments off?

#2 Post by **andrea26** » Fri Oct 15, 2010 2:37 am

Yes, you can. But you are supposed to be given retainers once you finish the treatment.

#3 Post by **pompompadom** » Fri Oct 15, 2010 4:43 am

I was never offered that option, I was always quoted a bonded retainer £225 each.

I asked about the invisalign ones half way through my treatment and I was fobbed off really, he said they were expensive and bonded was better.

I've got bonded on the bottom row already, I just can't wait to get out of these things!

#4 Post by **BraceFace2o1o** » Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:53 am

pompompadom wrote:I asked about the invisalign ones half way through my treatment and I was fobbed off really, he said they were expensive and bonded was better.

I've always been told that bonded reatiners need to be in conjunction with a removable retainer. Bonded retainers normally only hold the first 4-6 teeth, so the rest of the teeth will need to be retained some how too (by a removable retainer). I'm just repeating what gets said over and over on another braces forum I am a member of... and in a way it does kinda make sense.

If your Ortho just fobs you off and you aren't happy, maybe you could try and get a full removable retainer at another Ortho? seeing as either way you'd be paying.

#5 Post by **andrea26** » Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:50 am

The only difference between the aligner and retainer is that retainer are made from a stronger material as they need to last a long time. I received 3 identical retainers when I finished my treatment. As suggested above you can try having it done somewhere else but in the meantime I would just wear my last set.

#6 Post by **Wireless** » Sun Oct 17, 2010 7:47 pm

Invisalign trays don't work well for retainers or long term wear. I had to wear part of my top tray for 26 weeks while waiting for my rear molars to grow in. The tray started turning yellow and became loose. My ortho had to use essix retainers shaped like my last trays to finish treatment.

With my previous treatment, my dentist then didn't recommend retainers for long term use - which probably why I'm back for a return visit.