Dental retainer question...?

Question

I have a permenant retainer put on 4 years ago after having my braces taken off. The retainer is on the back of my upper and lower front 5 teeth. The retainer makes it very difficult to take care of my hygene and flossing has become nearly impossible even with the threading floss stuff and now im having problems with bleeding and receding gums. My question is should I have the retainer removed? Will my teeth go back to the way they where pre braces? can I replace it with a removable retainer? Any help would be appreciated.

I dont call my dentist because I no longer live in the coutry where the appliance was put on. The orthodontist doesnt even speak english I had to communicate with them initially through a translator. I now live and work in a differnt country. I work overseas and the level of dental care here in the middle of the desert is questionable. The dentists here (in the middle east) will remove or add anything I ask them to but that doesnt mean It should be removed. I was hoping to hear from a pro on this forum...

Answer 1

I APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERN. THE PROBLEM WITH THE RECEDING GUMS HAS BEEN PRIMARILY CAUSED BY A LACK OF FLOSSING.
A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM IS FOR YOU TO GET AND USE A WATERPIK ORAL IRRIGATOR. THIS WILL BE VERY EFFECTIVE AT FLUSHING OUT THE PLAQUE AND NOT NEEDING TO FOOL AROUND WITH FLOSS THREADERS.
THE GUMS WILL COME BACK TO THE WAY THEY WERE.

Answer 2

First thing I would think is that you've not kept up with your cleanings from the dentist. You should always be able to floss. If you've got tartar and calculus build up behind the teeth closing the flossing area in between the retainer and teeth, that's the problem. Both of these, tartar and calculus, cause the tissue irritation, inflammation and promote bleeding along with recession of the gums. The lower anterior area is usually the worst place for the build up due to the salivary glands excretions in that area. So rather than remove it and run the possibility of teeth shifting, which will happen. I would suggest you go for a through professional cleaning. Once all the debris is removed, you will be able to floss again keeping the teeth clean and the tissue healthy. The tissue may recede some due to the trauma but it will help you to keep a "good retainer" that works, and be able to clean the teeth easier. You can go with a removable on the upper,(you have to remember to wear it) but they aren't advisable for the lowers. If you need a cleaning at your anteriors, then you probably need one all over. Don't forget all the work that went into getting your teeth fixed with orthodontics. Now is not the time to let it all go to waste! Good luck and I hope I've been of some help to you.

Answer 3

I had braces put on well into my adulthood. My gums were perfect until I did this. Within a year after the braces were removed, my gums began to recede. I did research and consulted a few dentists and it turns out it is a common thing for older adults (I was 30 yo). To correct the recession, I've had surgery on the lower gums for a tissue graft and will have the upper gums done within a few months.

I recommend having the upper permanent retainer removed and have them make a removable one. If you wear it when you are suppose to, your teeth and bite should hold their position correctly.

Although it may not be recommended by some dentists, I picked up a diy dental instrument to take care of the problem areas where my bottom retainer sits. It helps keep that area much cleaner. Flossing is a must, and an oral irrigator is nice too.

You might consider seeing a periodontist for the bleeding problem. They will get you back on track.

Hope my experience helps your situation.

Answer 4

Alot depends on what the reason was for a permanent retainer. I wouldn't do anything w/o talking to your dentist and or your orthodontist first.

There is a reason for a permanent retainer, I don't have a permanent retainer but I do have a tongue thrust problem, in which my tongue pushes out my front teeth. Thus, if I don't wear my retainer I can tell the next day.

I've had my retainer going on 14 years, I first wore it 24/7, than it was down to everyother day, now it's at night only. But, I do agree with you in that it's difficult to clean and floss the teeth. Sounds like your teeth might be shifting but only your doctors can say that for sure, so check with them about the questions and concerns. I happen to love my removeable retainer, however the key is to wearing it according to your doctor's advice.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

I have a clear retainer on top and a permanent retainer on the bottom. The permanent retainer is very hard to clean around, I can definitely sympathize with you there! If you have it removed, there is a very good likelihood that your teeth will get crooked again... my husband had braces 14 years ago and didn't wear his retainers and one of his bottom teeth is noticeably crooked again, seems like a waste of 2 years wearing braces, not to mention all the money you put into getting that perfect smile!!

I brush my bottom teeth with peroxide and it cleans very well around the retainer. Some people might say this will cause sensitivity issues, but I've been doing it for years and brushing with Crest Pro-Health afterwards, and I've never had any problems with sensitivity. It keeps my teeth nice and white, too!

Answer 6

I am an orthodontist assistant, and I have put many many fixed retainers in place. My suggestions is to have it removed and ask for a different type of retainer. A removable one works great as long as you wear it. But if you forget to wear it or lose it, then your teeth will move. So as of right now you dont have to worry about it, but receding gums is not a fun game and gingivitus and perio disease could result from not properly cleaning the area. So its your choice, but I think I would have it removed and wear a removable one at night when I was asleep. Hope it works out!

Answer 7

hey dental retainers are worn for few months say abt 5 to 6 months.. and this is crucial to retain whatever movement of teeth occured..if u r wearing from last 4 years u can get it removed..consult ur dentist and get rid of it..

Answer 8

why don't you talk to your dentist? If you are having these problems you should tell them. Call the office if you don't want to go up there but ask a professional