Getting 2nd opinion on orthodontics

Lynnie

Hi all,

apologies in advance if this seems long-winded, but I just want to be sure that I've all the details down here...

I had braces (upper & lower) for 3 years to correct an overbite and overcrowding. They were taken off 9 months ago and I've been wearing a removable retainer since.

However, the upper retainer doesn't seem to have been cast right, as it actually pushed one of my teeth back out of place after only a few days of constant wear. Made an appointment to see the orthodontist about same and she shaved off some of the plastic of the retainer just behind the offending tooth. She has shaved off a little more on each of my return visits.

That tooth has just not returned to where it was when the braces were taken off originally, and she is now pressuring me to move to a bonded retainer even though I'm unhappy with where the tooth has ended up.

I know that there is the possibility that teeth can start to regress to their original position, but I have worn my retainer 24/7 since the train tracks came off as I was advised to in order to prevent any movement!

So has anyone ever been in a similar situation or is it possible to go to another orthodontist to get a second opinion on the state of my teeth before I commit to the bonded retainers..?

Any input welcomed

Doomspell

I will try to help as soon as you explain what a bonded retainer is? (I have braces)

Lynnie

Hi Doomspell,

bonded retainers are normally placed behind the teeth after the braces are removed. They are "permanently" bonded [for a couple of years at least] to the backs of the teeth to prevent them from moving back to their original positions.

See here for a photo, it's near the end of the page

Lexie

My sister has the bonded retainer behind her two front teeth but it has slipped out of place and the gap between her teeth is reappearing.