Molar spaces after bond removal

[RicanMedic78]

I have 4 molar brackets that are metal bonded all around each tooth x4. I was curious and I asked my ortho about what happens to those spaces that were made for those backets after all the appliances come off. His answer was a bit strange to me and prompted me to ask the question on here. He stated that those spaces that were made at the start of treatment will close on their own. I find that very strange and do not know how this will work given that no pressure will there to close those spaces. Please help me figure this out anyone as I am at the end of my treatment and I feel that I am being a bit rushed by my ortho to end things after 3 long years.

[Sunny]

Your retainers should take care of these gaps closing.

Ask your ortho what type of retainers you're having and can they be adjusted if after a year these gaps haven't closed. They should close much sooner than that, but hopefully your ortho will be able to give you the answers you need and believe.

Good luck with the final phase of your treatment!

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Great question. I asked this very question to my orthodontic instructor way back . These gaps are very small and generally close up on their own. Generally, crowding tends to happen overtime, so it shouldn't be too much of a concern. If not, the use of retainers can help close things up.

[RicanMedic78]

my ortho did tell me that I will have a perminant wire in the back of my front teeth to keep the overbite from relapsing. However, he did say that he would rather I not have a retainer because the in and out process of the retainer can dislodge the wire in the back. Then I told him I would be more comfortable with some sort of retainer for long term and he said he can make a clear one for me which looks similar to an invisiline type made of plastic.

if you know what I speak off, I would love your input sunny!

[Sunny]

That's interesting RicanMedic. Most of our patients have upper and lower bonded retainers - canine to canine, as well as upper and lower removable retainers. The type of removable retainer depends on the treatment they've had. I'd say it's about 50% hawley type ... the ones with the wire across the front and about 50% essix type ... the clear aligners.

We have followup appointments for two years and then one more at three years ... and rarely do the retainers seem to bother the bonded retainer. I'm guessing this is due to the way they're made.

Talk to your ortho about this ... and I think you'd be wise to have both, with the plastic type being fine if that's what your ortho recommends.

Good luck!

[RicanMedic78]

if you know which I speak of when I mention the clear plastic retainer (invisiline style), can you tell me if its an affective retainer solution? Or is it a cheap alternative?

[Sunny]

If worn as prescribed RicanMedic ... the clear plastic retainer is an effective retainer.

[RicanMedic78]

Can a clear plastic retainer be adjusted to close the spaces in the rear?

[RicanMedic78]

update: My molar bands were removed and now I have a pretty decent clear retainer that I have to wear daily. Now, since the impressions on my new teeth were made "with the molar spaces intact," the retailer is shaped that way and looks as if it will just retain the molar spaces the way they are. So my question is... if I have to wear this all the time, how will my molar spaces close? Its getting very uncomfortable because I am getting food inside that is hard to remove

[Sunny]

RicanMedic you need to talk to your ortho about how this will happen. Hopefully you'll see a gradual improvement over the next few months as your second molars drift forward to full those gaps ... but please ask.

Here's to your 'retainer wear for life' going well!