I got braces in 2001, and they came off in 2003. When they came off, the ortho gave me a clear plastic retainer for my top teeth, and attached a wire to the back of the my bottom teeth. I've worn the retainers for 3 years, and my teeth haven't moved or anything, but I'm wondering how long it'll be before the wire is removed and I can get rid of the clear plastic retainer. I haven't had a single ortho appointment since, and have none scheduled in the future. Any idea?
2006-08-17 15:43:59 · 8 answers · asked by ajw5899 2 in Health ➔ Dental
You only have to wear the retainer at night. I stopped wearing mine at night a few years ago, and my teeth have shifted quite a bit. My brother has had his off almost as long, and he's had no shifting at all....because he wears his retainer every night.
Good ortho's will recommends you wear it at least 3 or 4 nights a week for the rest of your life to prevent your teeth from shifting back.
2006-08-17 15:50:36 · answer #1 · answered by Episco 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I knew then what I know now, I would still be wearing my retainers! I had removeable retainers for top & bottom which I wore every night for 7 years. Being 21 & thinking that I knew everything, I quit wearing them. Needless to say I've had one tooth turn a little over the past 10 years. I asked the dentist if another retainer would fix this problem & he said that it would be more trouble than it's worth considering that I would have to have braces again. So, if you want to have stright teeth for the rest of your life (or untill your to old to care) then it would be wise to wear your retainers!
2006-08-18 00:25:54 · answer #2 · answered by Ash Anne 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had to wear my retainer 24/7 for a year, and then just at night for a year. Don't know about the wire. You'll probably need to call your ortho. and ask.
2006-08-17 22:51:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as you want to keep your teeth straight. The ligaments that hold your teeth in your jaw are still attached to the bone where they started and will always try to pull the teeth back. It should be sufficient to wear them at night. But talk to your orthodontist because he/she knows more about your case than anyone here. As for the wire, again ask your dentist/orthodontist.
2006-08-17 23:13:43 · answer #4 · answered by TommyBoy DDS 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i was in the same boat as you...eventually I just got lazy with putting my retainer back in my mouth after removing them. It's been about 3 years since I last wore my retainers and my teeth are just as straight as ever and I haven't also been to the ortho since them as well. But my teeth are still fine and it's ultimately your choice...
2006-08-17 22:53:24 · answer #5 · answered by L.M.L 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I was told to where them every night. If you want to ensure that your teeth will stay nice and straight wear them for the rest of your life. That is my plan anyway.
2006-08-17 22:51:38 · answer #6 · answered by amalyn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The rule of thumb, which is simply that, is two years in retention for every year in active treatment. This will vary by case, but that's just to give you an idea.
2006-08-17 23:29:33 · answer #7 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
as long as the dentist said so
2006-08-17 22:49:37 · answer #8 · answered by greg l 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋