Metal Mouth Message Board

So I had the top row taken off today. My teeth look great! However the thing that puzzled me is that I go back in 2 weeks for a retainer. I always assumed I would get one the same day, otherwise the teeth will move. Im guessing my orthodontist knows what he is doing. Anybody here, hear of a 2 week wait for a retainer?

tdawg7669 wrote:So I had the top row taken off today. My teeth look great! However the thing that puzzled me is that I go back in 2 weeks for a retainer. I always assumed I would get one the same day, otherwise the teeth will move. Im guessing my orthodontist knows what he is doing. Anybody here, hear of a 2 week wait for a retainer?

Did you have a permanent retainer fitted when the brace was removed? I had to wait 4 weeks for my Hawley retainers.

My son had a 1 or 2 week wait for his retainer. It was probably 1 week to be honest but i can't remember. That would definitely make me nervous to take my braces off with no retainer. I would call to see if they could put a permanent one on while you wait.

I got Essix retainers (the transparent ones) the same day, to wear whilst my 'proper' Hawley ones were ready (a week later). I would be uneasy not wearing them straight away (and I only have to wear mine at night anyway; now in fact one night on/one off) however I don't think there will be much movement; the main thing is just precaution. The only thing that will happen is that when you get them and finally put them on it will probably be tight/painful

well they took the mold for it today, so it will be fit to how my teeth are now so i guess if they move the retained will move them back even if they are a bit tight.

bump, any other opinions?

Usually it is ok to be fit for the new retainer within 1-2 weeks, depending on how your teeth started off. If the teeth shift slightly, the retainer can generally put them back into place, provided the impressions/model was taken when your teeth were straight.

We usually placed fixed retainers and have our patients come back in a week to have the removable retainer (used for nights) about a week later. Sometimes, we take the impressions with the braces on, so that the retainer can be ready for the day of debond. The lab simply removes the brackets from the stone model (simulating a debond).

Hope this helps!

Wow I can't believe some people have to wait up to 4 weeks! I only had to wait about 4 hours. My dr. has a practice with 2 or 3 other orthodontists under the same roof and they have a lab on site.