Retainer Question

[ccrisis]

Not happy today -as I'm finally getting de-braced in two weeks, but was told I cannot have a permament retainer, due to the fact that my bottom teeth would hit and break it. I really don't want to mess with removeable retainers. Can anyone shed light on the subject for me? Do you think that it may just be a cost issue? Not looking for ward to wearing plastic in my mouth every day for six months, then EVERY NIGHT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!!!! HELP!!! I've been in braces for almost four years and have been very patient - but I've finally had enough!!! thanks for listening

[drrick]

Upper fixed rets are FAR more rare than lowers for the exact reason you mentioned -- the lower teeth hitting them and breaking them off. You may be a bit upset now but would likely be more upset if it continually breaks and your teeth shift.

[ccrisis]

drrick, that really does make me feel better. I guess if I got used to braces, I can get used to anything. Thanks so much for the perspective!!!

[sarahorsomeone]

I have a permanent retainer at the back of my top teeth, and I've never bitten it off (mine is just a thin bit of wire held in place with a few drops of glue) in fact I've had it left on all through my second lot of braces for jaw surgery.

However, I'm still going to have to wear removable retainers top and bottom, so it doesn't solve everything! As far as I know a removable retainer only stops the teeth which it's applied to moving relative to one another, and only to a certain extent; you could still find the teeth start shifting position or angle as a group. In my case it's just a belt and braces (no pun intended) approach, not an alternative to a removable retainer.

[TumbleDryLow]

After 33 months in braces I got them off in August and was given Essex retainers top and bottom and was told to wear them 24/7 for one year then every night for life. I hated them at first. Was annoyed and the constant in and out to eat, was annoyed at the way they looked, annoyed at cleaning them...IDK, they just took the wind out of my sail during a time when getting my braces off should have been exciting. But you know what? I am totally used to them now and it actually feels weird NOT to have them in. You are correct. You can get used to anything.