Metal Mouth Message Board

I think getting a backup essix (or 2) is great idea. I’m in treatment again due in part to a failed essix retainer. How long they last seems to vary greatly between individuals, but I’ll be replacing mine every 2 to 3 years just to be safe.

All the Best,

Jethro

Congrats on getting your bottom braces off! As for the retainer, I would pick it up on Monday. Everyone is different of course, but teeth can shift very quickly and I wouldn't risk it.

All the Best,

Jethro

I was at a concert recently when a random woman approached my buddy and me and began talking about the bands that were playing. She then turned to me and said "I see you're finally doing something about your teeth". That should have been our clue to flee, but I politely tried to explain my...

Usually 3 times a day (morning, afternoon and evening before bed). I've noticed that when I talk on the phone, people frequently say '"excuse me, say that again" or something similar. I guess they cause me to mumble a bit...lol.

You should be fine. The same thing happened to me last month and I was told to wait until my next appt...it was replaced last week. Only down side is that I had to keep the same wire for another month.

Hey cbraces678, you're teeth are looking great! I too was given tortoise elasitcs at my Oct 5 adjustment (I had gorillas previously) and the same triangular config. It's amazing how much force these little suckers exert. Hope your treatment goes quickly.

All the Best,

Jethro

I wholeheartedly concur with the others about waiting until after your trip. I've never had self-ligating brackets, but claims regarding faster treatment time come largely from marketing materials not peer-reviewed studies. I did have ceramic upper brackets during my last treatment and found them bu...

I originally joined the forum in 12/2008. I had braces for 30 months for an anterior crossbite, crowding, rotations and tmj issues. Back for round 3, due in part to failed retainers (I posted about it).

All the Best,

Jethro

I like the colors SDFD. I haven't ventured past silver or black this time around yet. Hope your concerns are addressed quickly and painlessly!

P.S. I'm also a retreatment case and have an implant for a congenitally missing premolar. Fortunately, my tmj issues did not return.

All the Best,

Jethro

Congrats! As for retainer wear, I think it's a lifetime commitment for most of us.

All the Best,

Jethro

I agree. By giving a specific removal date, he can make the adjustments he deems most important. Also, talk to him about retainers as most orthos expect you to return several days after debonding to have your retainers fitted. Good luck.

All the Best,

Jethro

It appears the type of relapse you're experiencing is difficult to control with removable retainers alone. I would also recommend a bonded upper retainer that will provide 24-hour retention.

All the Best,

Jethro

Essix retainers have a finite life span, generally considered to be 2 to 5 years. Several factors affect their longevity such as original retainer quality, frequency of use, cleaning method, teeth grinding, etc. And yes, they do fail. I'm in braces again due in part to failed retainers. Also, my sis...

I had my 3rd adjustment last week. I was supposed to get stainless wires on the top and bottom, but due to a somewhat intruded upper right molar, they were unable to seat the stainless wire so they put the NiTi wire back in. They also put wire hooks on my top laterals for new “box” elastics. Wowza! ...

Sorry to hear of your situation. One would think that if anyone on the planet understoond how quickly teeth can shift/relapse it would be an orthodontist! LOL. I saw this Stay Tray on this site: https://www.dentakit.com/staytray.html . Perhaps that might work temporarily. Hopefully, the shifting wil...