retention appliances?

[carthy]

so my orthodontist just sent us a letter about the summary and evaluation of my teeth and the treatment and so on.

under "TREATMENT PROGRAM/OPTIONS DISCUSSED"
it says "Invisalign aligners in one or both dental arches to be followed by a period of retention appliances."

does that mean BRACES?
or does that mean that metal line retainer that they attach at the back of your teeth?
OR does it mean the retainers i'll have to wear at night?

i'm okay with the second two, but braces?

[coconut]

When in doubt, ask.

[IHIC]

I read that as wearing a retainer.

Retention - 'the act of retaining'.

But like coconut said, when in doubt, ask (your orthodontist).

[carthy]

i have an appointment tomorrow, so i'll ask then (what good timing)
just a little impatient to know though lol

[havingitdoneintheuk]

Anyone who has been in braces will need some method of holding the teeth where they are once they have finished moving, hence the phrase retaining.
How the teeth are retained depends on the individual's teeth. For some this might be a clear aligner like invisalign, for others a wire fixed to the back of the teeth but there are many methods of retaining them. Good luck today!

[Sunny]

Agree ... ask!

I also read this as meaning retainers ... what kind ... you'll need to ask your orthodontist that question.

If you want your teeth to remain in their new positions, you'll need some type of retainers for the rest of your life. To begin with it's full time wear, then every night and finally for life ... a few nights a week wear.

Good luck!