Almost done...new questions.

[Bonnie]

I got my new trays yesterday, but I was in a hurry to get to the P.O. and didnt stay to look at them, or ask any questions....

I just started tray 9 of 10 for my uppers, and 16 for my lowers. Im pretty excited!

I noticed last night that my #9 trays are SUPER clear, not foggy at all like they normally are, and they are slightly more rigid. Is there a reason for this? I thought maybe it was because Im almost done with my uppers, but my #10 trays are just normal.

Also, what kind of retainers did you get with yours? I was told to just use my last tray as a retainer until I get done with my lowers too.

[Punkin]

I got my new trays yesterday, but I was in a hurry to get to the P.O. and didnt stay to look at them, or ask any questions....

I just started tray 9 of 10 for my uppers, and 16 for my lowers. Im pretty excited!

I noticed last night that my #9 trays are SUPER clear, not foggy at all like they normally are, and they are slightly more rigid. Is there a reason for this? I thought maybe it was because Im almost done with my uppers, but my #10 trays are just normal.

Also, what kind of retainers did you get with yours? I was told to just use my last tray as a retainer until I get done with my lowers too.

I don't know. Do you mean they don't have the little ridges in them? I've never noticed any of them to be cloudy, unless that is what you are speaking of.

You might want to give your ortho a call.

[Zoso]

Also, what kind of retainers did you get with yours? I was told to just use my last tray as a retainer until I get done with my lowers too.

This is quite a common situation where there are different numbers of trays for each arch. In such circumstances, some orthodontists prefer to set up the treatment plan such that they delay starting treatment on the arch that will need fewer trays, so that it is not necessary to continue using one tray over a prolonged period like this, whilst the other arch "catches up" - please be careful with that last upper tray, so that it will last until your lowers are complete and you are ready for retainers.

Of course, that said, some dentists will just leave the patient to use their final trays as their long-term retainer. But other options are definitely available, and you should discuss with your doc what he has in mind for you. You could get regular removable retainers made (and your doc may already be planning this and may have included it in your fees up front). Or you could pay for Align Tech's Vivera retainers, which are a traditional slipcover retainer, with an included replacement plan.