Permanent wire retainer?

[fishgills]

Im 53 and on my last invisalign tray.
My ortho suggested that I have a permanent wire retainer bonded
to the inside of my lower front teeth. I guess that that eliminates the need for any plastic removable retainers. He can remove it any time I decide
I would rather use removable clear plaitic ones. Has anyone had this wire type?. What are the pros and cons. What about cleaning and food getting stuck in it? It sound like it might be less of a hassle then removables.
Please Advise!!!

[myhollywoodsmile]

I have been told that this is an option too. From what I understand the wire is completely covered in some cementy type stuff. I have read that it is a strange thing to get used to in your mouth, but as you say removes the need for a retainer.

I think for me, I prefer the idea of a removable retainer. Having seen the pictures online I just don't want that kind of thing in my mouth which is why I went for Invisalign in the first place. Some people do seem to prefer them though, so probably you should have a google and look at pics

[Brissiegirl]

My dentist is going to do the permanent metal retainer. She thinks it best. I will go along with it, I will be happy not to have to worry about anything anymore. On refinements now 3 of 4 upper and 3 of 7 lowers. She will do the uppers as soon as I am done with the top and the lowers later. Only a few weeks to go.

Rachel

[Sunny]

There are many reasons why one type of retainer is better than another and the bonded retainers are great at preventing vertical movement. They also have the added advantage of being bonded and therefore being able to retain for longer periods. You do need a higher level of oral hygiene with bonded retainers, than with removable retainers and most orthodontists' won't recommend bonded retainers, unless your oral health is excellent. We tell our patients with bonded retainers to avoid chewing very hard foods with the front teeth, but it's fine with the premolars and molars. We also remind them that flossing will require a bit more care for the teeth that are bonded, but not as much care as they required when flossing with braces. Also it's important to check bonded retainers regularly to ensure they are still bonded.

Adjusting to a bonded retainer is generally easy, in fact very similar to wearing invisalign, as it's about your tongue adjusting to this small change on the inside of your teeth. Many patients have their bonded retainers for many years and only remember it, when something happens to it, like the bonding coming away from one of the ends.

Talk to your ortho about what they recommend for you and why. Good luck!

We give patients with bonded retainers, a set of removable retainers, to be worn at night, as these take care of the teeth that aren't bonded.