How long to wear a bonded retainer?

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#1 Post by **mike40** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 3:27 pm

When I got my braces off, I got a bonded retainer across my front 4 lower teeth. It's just a wire that runs across the back of them. When I got it, the orthodontists told me that I should have it for at least as long as I had my braces on. But frankly, I was really pumped to not have anything in my mouth at that point which was disappointing. They said that it's possible to take it off at anytime, so I'm wondering what a safe time period to wear it is. Like obviously not everybody who has ever had braces had to have a bonded retainer for 3+ years. So I just want to know when I could probably get it off without my teeth shifting around. Thanks.

#2 Post by **jennielee81** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:36 pm

From what I understand from MY ortho about MY bonded retainer...it is there for as long as I can stand it....preferably for ever.

I've had it rebonded once (at 1 year) as the bonding material was falty from the start but it was never discussed that it would be removed.

Teeth move for our entire lifetime...lowers seem to move more and, I believe I read, that our lower jaw shrinks a bit as we age causing lower crowding.

How long have you had yours?? It becomes more "normal" after a while (year or so). I do understand the totally naked thing though. I had a flossing issue this week as I couldn't get the floss between 2 teeth due to tarter and I had some inflamation and I really was wishing I could just floss easily to clear the problem....

#3 Post by **mike40** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:15 pm

I've had it about seven months. They told me when debanding that lower teeth shift very quickly and they didn't want to take any risks or anything. I pretty much don't even notice it's there any more, and no, it's not a big deal, but this kind of thing just sort of bothers me.

All I'm saying is that many, many people have had braces and no bonded retainers, and their lower teeth have turned out fine.

#4 Post by **jennielee81** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:20 pm

Yep, there are many folks who don't get lower bonded retainers and their teeth are fine.

If it bothers you a lot, I would suggest discussing it with your ortho. They may remove it and either give you a removable retainer (cost may apply) or let you go on your way without additional appliances or follow up.

Can't hurt to ask.

#5 Post by **mike40** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:28 pm

Right, I don't really have a problem with that. I'm already doing that for the uppers.