Retainers

Solarball10

OK, am hopefully getting my braces off next month!

What I want to know is...do they put the retainer on straight away?
Do I have to wear it constantly for a certain length of time?
And do I keep having to go back to ortho every so often to get retainer checked?

I will of course be asking my ortho this on my next visit, but kinda wanted a bit of a headsup sooner

Kila

Congrats on being nearly finished!

Are you talking about a fixed, permanent retainer, or a removable one (like a Hawley or Essix retainer)?

Solarball10

oh I don't know, my ortho hasn't mentioned anything to me about different types

Kila

Essix retainer is almost like an invisalign tray or a gum shield - it's clear plastic and fits over your arch. A hawley is the type where a plastic piece sits (usually) against the foor of your mouth and a metal wire goes around the outside of your teeth. The hawley is probably more familiar to most people.

Pictures of both here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retainer_(orthodontic_device)

A fixed/permanent retainer is a wire bonded to the back of your teeth permanently to keep them from moving.

What you'll be getting will be dependant on what your ortho prefers and thinks is best. If all goes to plan, I'm due for a permanent on the bottom and an essix on top.

I believe that you don't get a retainer immediately after braces removal because molds need to be taken and it needs to be made. However that will depend on how your ortho operates.

I'm not sure about whether there's a delay if you're getting a permanent one.

Best to read about the different types a bit and that way you'll know what he's talking about whenever he mentions it.

fonpokno

Depends on the retainer really! I had an essix retainer for about 3 years. At first I had to wear it all the time for a few months and then only had to wear it during the day/at night after that. Was fine for the most part except eating tomato made it turn red and apple made it turn green....

Now i have a permanent retainer on my lower teeth and that'll stay there forever. It doesn't get in the way of anything but you have to keep an eye on it for plaque buildup cos it can be difficult to clean.

Don't know anything about any other retainers but we'll be able to tell you more depending on what type you get. Just make sure you actually wear your retainer. Nothing worse than getting lazy about it and finding your teeth and moved back to their old ways.

Kila wrote: »

I believe that you don't get a retainer immediately after braces removal because molds need to be taken and it needs to be made. However that will depend on how your ortho operates.

I'm not sure about whether there's a delay if you're getting a permanent one.

Yeah, you'll be a few days before getting the retainer because they have to make it for you. My permanent retainer was just put on straight away though.

looks like rain ted

can anybody tell me how long do the essix retainers last? i mean after awhile will they show signs of wear and tare? i just got mine a few days ago and today somebody told me that her daughters teeth still moved slightly even tho show wore them all the time except when eating. and what would be a good way to clean them? i was told just to put in warm water, but it does`nt do a great job.