Can I wear only my bottom retainer?

Some orthodontic patients need to just wear one retainer on the bottom or on the top, but some patients might need both. Typically at first, you will wear the retainer all day long and then you will most likely only have to wear it at night to sleep. Keep in mind that each individual treatment plan is different.

How long does a bottom retainer last?

There is no set amount of time that a permanent retainer will last. While some patients have successfully worn their retainers for up to 20 years, others may need to have them removed or replaced sooner.

Do retainers need to cover all teeth?

Answer: Vaccu-formed retainer should almost always cover molars... If the retainer does not cover all molars when you wear the retainers, the teeth that are not covered can not touch. So their natural reaction is to erupt until they touch.

Do you wear top and bottom retainers?

Don't wear your upper AND lower retainers at the same time unless your local dentist or orthodontist tells you to. If you have recently completed treatment to have your teeth straightened, then wear one of your retainers during the day and the other during the night for the first couple of weeks.

How much is a permanent retainer on the bottom?

How much do permanent retainers cost? Permanent retainers cost anywhere between $150 and $500 for one. You may need a bottom teeth retainer and a retainer for your top front teeth as well (up to $1000 for both the lower and upper front teeth).

How Long Should I Wear A Retainer For After Braces? | Premier Orthodontics

Is the bottom retainer permanent?

You may be given only one type, or you may receive a removable retainer for your top teeth and a permanent one for your bottom teeth. A retainer keeps your teeth from moving after they've been straightened with braces. It can take at least four to six months for the new position of your teeth to become permanent.

Do permanent retainers affect kissing?

Answer: You are good to go. Permanent bonded retainers should not be an issue for the activities you describe. When the retainers are placed they should feel smooth to your tongue.

Can I wear one retainer at a time?

While you might have to wear a retainer for some time, they are usually easier to handle than braces, and the amount of time you need to wear one is limited.

Can tight retainer damage your teeth?

In most cases, a tight retainer won't damage your teeth or gums. You may experience some discomfort during your first few days of retainer treatment. However, your discomfort will likely go away after a few days. If things don't improve, or your pain worsens, you should talk to your orthodontist about your concerns.

Is it OK to not wear retainer for 2 weeks?

If you skip or lose your retainer for a week, it's possible to have some small amount of relapse. Like we said earlier, teeth can move back to their original positions without a retainer to provide guidance and pressure.

Do retainers affect jaw growth?

The retainers are also not capable of restraining or controlling jaw growth and will not be able to prevent the effects of adverse jaw growth of the bite relationships. Fortunately, this type of adverse jaw growth rarely occurs.

Why don't they do permanent retainers?

The disadvantages of permanent retainers is that you may need to be careful with some foods to prevent damage to the appliance. A permanent retainer can also make it a little more difficult to clean your teeth, especially when flossing, similar to braces.

Can I stop wearing my retainer after 2 years?

Decades ago an orthodontist would hand a patient a retainer and tell them they should wear it every day for 6 months then switch to nights and then discontinue retainer wear after one or two years.

Can your teeth still shift with permanent retainers?

While the natural settling process may still cause you to notice a slight degree of tooth shifting even if you wear your retainer, using a retainer is the best way to keep shifting to a minimum and preserve your bite.

Do permanent retainers cause cavities?

Fixed retainers may also make it more difficult to brush and floss. If you do not brush and floss your permanent retainer then your teeth may get cavities and gum disease. Be sure to remove the tarter buildup at your dentist regularly to ensure no cavities or gum disease develop.

How fast do teeth move without retainer?

The first three months are critical, and the teeth are most likely to shift during this stage. During this time, a week without your retainer may cause some minor shifting. Your retainer may feel a bit tighter on your teeth when you place it back in again.

How do I stop my teeth from shifting without a retainer?

Can retainers move teeth back after 6 months?

There is a possibility that an old retainer can be used to move the teeth back into place. However having just one tooth move too far will make the retainer not fit properly. Warping can also occur with cured acrylic retainers.

Is it okay if I only wear my retainer at night?

Most orthodontists advise their patients to wear their retainers for the rest of their lives. However, the retainers only need to be worn at night and skipping a night here and there is no big deal.

Can I skip my retainer for one night?

When you forget to wear your retainers for one night or a few nights in a row, you may find that they are a little tight when you first put them in. This is ok as long as they begin to feel right again after a few hours. The teeth can often shift back into place when they are only slightly shifted.

Why do dentists hate permanent retainers?

Cons of a permanent retainer

They can make it difficult to properly clean teeth, whether brushing at home or having them professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist. Also, the wire can trap food, bacteria, and other debris, increasing the risk of dental problems, especially if you don't brush and floss regularly.

Can you eat popcorn with a permanent retainer?

However, if the wire has been damaged, your orthodontist may need to replace the wire altogether. To reduce the likelihood of a permanent retainer loosening, individuals should avoid biting into hard food, such as apples, carrots, hard candy, and popcorn balls, etc., with their front teeth.

Can you eat apples with a fixed retainer?

ARE THERE ANY EATING RESTRICTIONS WITH THESE RETAINERS? Yes! Since the reatiners are bonded, or glued, to your teeth exactly like braces it is imperative that you do not bite into anything hard or you will dislodge your retainer (ie. apples, pears, candy bars, frozen foods etc...).

Which retainer is best?

If you are looking for clear, removable retainers, then Essix retainers are the best choice. These are formed to cover your teeth completely while sitting above your gum line. Most individuals tend to prefer these types of removable retainers as these are less noticeable in comparison to the bonded wire retainers.