Permanent Retainers? Good or Bad?

Question

I am going to remove my braces soon and my orthodontist recommends a permanent retainer instead of the removable ones. I'm a little worried as it looks really uncomfortable and I'm afraid it might affect my speech. Anyone with experience to give me some advice?

1) Does it irritate the tongue and cause ulcers?
2) Will I be able to speak normally? I feel my speech is not so clear with braces
3) Will the retainer be taken off eventually?
4) Does food (like vegetables and meat) get stuck in the retainer?
5) Anything else I should know?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

I have a bottom retainer and have had it for 10+ years. It is not uncomfortable at all. and I speak very clear. I wish I had one on my uppers because after losing two retainers I gave up and my top teeth have shifted. I do have to spend a little extra time when I am brushing and flossing. I use those blue threaders to pull the floss under the wire and through the teeth. And I have a miniature bristle brush that I can poke through each bracket. The brush is new to me as of last week. My hygenist says that there is always a little tartar build-up in that area and the brush will help with that. If I had it to do all over again I would have gotten permanent retainers on top and bottom.

Best to you.

Answer 2

Yes, permanent retainers are the best.

1. / 2. Yes, they take some getting used to, with speech, and can irritate your tongue if you play with them.

3. / 4. You can have it removed at any time, but I wouldn't advise it unless you go with the removable one, and do it years later. Yes, food does get stuck in it, but food gets stuck in your other teeth too. You do have to swish(water pik) really well and floss to get the food particles out. But your going to have to floss and brush anyway.

5. They are "the best" at keeping the teeth in the correct alignment. No shifting or crowding takes place with the fixed retainer, whereas it is common for lower teeth to crowd or get crooked with the removable. Also you don't have to remember to put it in, and you can't lose it. Did I mention that the dog won't eat it? Need I say more? Good luck, and I hope you choose wisely.

The little brushes as mentioned by Kat above, are called Proxy Brushes, either get a bunch from the dentist or pick them up at the grocery/drug store. Each one usually last about a week, and they work great for the retainer, I always give them to my ortho patients too, I can't believe she is just now getting them.

Answer 3

I don't have the permanent retainers, but I wish I did. My neice has them and has had zero problems. I went one week without wearing my retainers, and now my teeth are starting to move. My neice and I compared notes, and the permanent ones are hands down the best. She adjusted to hers really well. I never did get used to mine and now I never wear them.