I had a choice on removable or bonded retainers but was forced to get bonded ones

[arina]

I got my braces off just yesterday and have been wearing a bonded/permanent/fixed retainers for a bit over 24 hours now. I have two fixed retainers on four of the top teeth and six of the bottom and I also have to wear the clear essix retainers at night over the fixed ones. When (it's not even the orthodontist, she was some kind of assistant) told me that I was getting permanent retainers, I stopped her and asked if it were possible for me to get removable ones instead. She went to go get some other assistant (still not the orthodontist) and she basically told me to get fixed ones. She literally said "No, you don't have to get permanent ones but the removable retainers are a lot of work to keep up with and to clean and you have to wear them 24/7." She practically forced her biased opinion on me just because she didn't like removable retainers and couldn't follow basic instructions and had to get her braces put back on.

So long story short, due to the biased opinion of this dental assistant, I was forced to get these fixed ones in. Remember, I even had a choice. The only reason I couldn't get my removable ones was because she forced her biased opinion onto my ignorant mother who doesn't know a thing about braces and literally believes everything these idiots tell her. I made such a fuss about it, the assistant said if I absolutely detested them they'd consider getting them off. I'll talk to my regular dentist about this too.

I'd like to know what you like better, removable or permanent, and why.

[coconut]

Well, I've got both. The bonded retainers are to keep my front 6 teeth (up and down) aligned and uprighted, and the removable retainers are there to keep the rest of my teeth in place. I was advised that this combination would be the best for retaining my teeth and apart from a little more attention to oral hygiene with the bonded retainers, I have no problem with them whatsoever. I wear the removable retainers two nights a week now and they're no bother either.

It may be that the assistant is acting in your best interests, and even on the instructions of your orthodontist. But if you have any concerns about this, it's best to discuss directly with your ortho.

[Jessca]

eh me too I had the same concern, I ended up with removable one, so I went an other rthodentist (yeh im bad I know0 to get second advise and my regular dentist and they both told me that remvable one are the best retainers. They will holdtogether ll of your theet vs. the fix one that only hold the 4 first theet (front one). So it kond of make me feel better about it. They told me to keep the removable one for 1 year or so then after consider the permanent one (but still ill have to sleep with th removable one...
Yep...Hw many time Ive said removable there? lol

Bye

[IHIC]

The only reason I couldn't get my removable ones was because she......

Sorry if I have read your post wrong, but I am slightly confused... You mention that you wanted removable retainers but that you couldn't get your removable retainers (quoted above), but you also said that you have the clear essix retainers in the beginning of your post?

I have two fixed retainers on four of the top teeth and six of the bottom and I also have to wear the clear essix retainers at night over the fixed ones.

But like others have said, the fixed are used to retain the front teeth and then the removable retainers (clear/essix or hawley) are used in conjunction to retain the rest of the teeth. My Orthodontist has told me I will get a fixed lower retainer along with clear retainers too... I think this is the most common type of retention most patients get on the forums, well from what I have read anyway.

[Zach2k]

Sounds like you objected at the last minute and they got a bit lazy and pressurised you into fixed retainers.

I never quite understood the concept of fixed retainers AND essix type ones at night. The essix type ones go round all the teeth right? So why the need for fixed retainers too (and all the potential problems they can bring)?

[NarcoAngel]

That really sucks. Yea, removable ones I could see as being a pain, but I would still prefer them. I didnt know about the permanent ones until I asked my coworkers if they had braces, and much to my amazement, they ALL had permanent retainers, and they all say they suck because they can't floss their teeth.

[coconut]

The bonded retainers can also maintain the height of certain teeth. And it's not that you can't floss with them, it's just that you have to do it differently.

[Zach2k]

For a lot of people it's impossible to floss with bonded retainers, even with the superfloss and all those interdental gadgets out there. All I got constant bleeding, even with mere brushing.

I believe even one of the orthodontists on this forum Dr Markham or something couldn't floss with bonded retainers, so it's clearly not just a 'technique' thing. Not all mouths are the same and some of us are simply not compatible with bonded retainers.

[m1998]

after the braces what do u recommend fixed or removable retainers?

[coconut]

after the braces what do u recommend fixed or removable retainers?

I'd be going with what your ortho recommends is best for you.