Retainer

[Candice]

Hi

I have had fixed braces on my teeth for the past 18 months and now my orthodontist has told me, that I must wear a retainer to keep my teeth as they are or they might move back into their old position.

I find that some nights I wear my retainer and some nights I forget to wear them and when I wear them, I find them bulky and difficult to wear.

Are there any retainers that are smaller and can be just fixed on my teeth and don't need to removed in the mornings and put back in at night?

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

It is the norm to wear retainers after completion of orthodontic treatment as you have one yourself. This is to reduce the chance of relapses.
There are different types of retainers that depending on the orthodontist and the clinical need and possibilities they are made and used.

What may be possible in your case is to have permanent retainers. These are small metal wires that are cemented to the back of the teeth and are not removable. They tend to be less bulky than the removable retainers but it is not always possible to have fixed retainers due to the bite and the way teeth come together.

What I suggest is to go and see the orthodontist and raise this issue and if possible consider having fixed retainers. It may cost you a little but no harm in asking and discussing it with your orthodontist.