Last 3 aligners! & retainer advice pleaseee!

[TeeWee]

Today I finished my top set! I had a total of 9 Uppers.

I went and picked up my last 3 Lowers and am wearing aligner 10 of 12 with my previous (final) Upper aligner.

Feels sooo nice not to have to wear TWO new aligners (Upper and Lower)...! I CAN'T wait to be finally done with this process.

It's been a lot better than traditional braces, but they still are a pain in the bootay.

Now, I am wondering, which is better? My dentist told me to come back in 6 weeks for my retainers (and to check for any refinements)- she said I should get 2 retainers, the bulky invisalign retainer and well as a metal retainer? Is this normal? Should I be getting 2? I wish I could just get a fixed retainer, but my teeth build up plaque easily, and I am scared that it will cause problems being "fixed" to my teeth.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance- here are some pics, my First day of Invisalign and my current day (not fully moved, as I only put them in about 2 hours ago)

(pic 2 is current, pic 11 is before)

[Phantom Muse]

Your teeth are looking great! I don't know about having both kinds of retainers... Perhaps you are to wear the clear one during the day and the Hawley at night? My daughter needed to switch from plastic to a Hawley because of an open bite; is that a consideration for you?

I just went into retainers a week and a half ago, and I really do love my Invisalign retainers - well, as much one can actually love retainers! The ones made by Invisalign are not bulky at all. They are very similar to regular Invisalign trays, only they are stiffer and a tad bit thicker. It took me no time at all to get accustomed to wearing them. I am wearing them 24/7 for two weeks, and then planning to wean myself to nighttime only.

Hope this helps!

[Sunny]

Your teeth are looking outstanding TeeWee ... congrats!

If you were to have a bonded retainer, you still need the removable ones, as the bonded retainers only retainer the teeth they're bonded to, which is usually the front six upper and/or lower.

I agree with PM about why many people can't wear the essix type retainer for too long. Talk to your ortho about why he's recommending you have two, as I'm sure there'll be a good reason.

Good luck with your lowers being finished soon!

[Invizzle Rizzle]

sunny, what type of retainer would be needed to hold the molars?

[Sunny]

Either of the removable retainers can do that job. Most people have the essix (clear retainers), but for those who have had open bites, then the hawley wrap round style retainer is more suitable.

Your ortho should be able to tell you which will be best for your bite. Good luck!

[TeeWee]

Thanks for the advice. What is an open bite?

[Invizzle Rizzle]

I'm aware of what type of retainers, just not too sure about combining a hawley with a bonded or essix with bonded..would a mold be taken with the bonded retainer on so needed adjustments are made to the retainer?

[Sunny]

We do the mould with the bonded retainer in place, but some labs are happy to remove the piece of an essix that would fit over the bonded retainer. A hawley retainer will not be affected by a bonded one.

TeeWee an open bite is where some of the teeth do not meet. Often people who suck their thumbs or have a tongue thrust will have an open bite at the front. This means that their back teeth will meet, but their front stays open. Other's have a bite where their front teeth meet, but the back don't.

[TeeWee]

Yeah, thats what I have, my back don't touch if I make my front touch. If that makes sense. I'll let yawl know what happens!