Should I get bonding and a permanent retainer since the ortho told me my bottom teeth wouldn't move if my retainer broke? (Photo

Question

After having to wait quite a ways for a new retainer (a few weeks after accidentally breaking my retainer), my teeth moved and I'm not happy with the new mold they made for me. My teeth still have the gap and I'm a religious retainer wearer because my smile is important and I didn't spend what I did to waste the money and time. Now that I have to remain with these spaces; should I get bonding and a permanent retainer for my bottom teeth like they should've put on from when I got my braces off?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Sorry to hear that your teeth shifted, but here are the options that I would present to you if you were my patient.  Option #1:  Get bonding.-  price will likely be somewhere in the ballpark of a few hundred per tooth.-  will likely stain much faster than your natural teeth.-  the bonding will likely need to be redone sometime within the next 3 years.Option #2:  Get the less expensive alternative to Invisalign called Clear Correct.  As for the limited 6 case.-  Clear Correct limited 6 will likely cost you about 15-20% the cost of a full Invisalign case, depending on your region.-  this would close the gap and prevent the staining that I discussed in option 1.I hope this helps.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

First of all, when asked "how long do I have to wear a retainer" most orthodontists will answer "as long as you want to keep your teeth straight".There are several types of retainers, all that have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.  First is the "typical" Hawley retainer.  It has been in use for many decades.  Problem is that it is removable, and as such gets lost or broken, or worse, not worn.  Another type is the Vivera retainer from Invisalign or the Essix retainer.  Both are removable clear plastic the cover all the teeth.  There are two types of "fixed" (or permanent, non-removable) retainers.  One is the bonded wire that goes from cuspis to cuspid.  The other is a bonded wire that attaches to all six front teeth.Sounds like you want your spaces closed again, which is difficult to do with retainers anyway.  Thus, as you mention, one option if you won't want to go back into braces is bonding to close the gaps and another retainer, fixed or removable.  One problem with fixed retainers is that it makes cleaning the teeth very difficult, and if you can't brush and floss well around the fixed retainer, you are predisposed to cavities and gingivitis.  I suggest you speak with your orthodontist about all the options so that you and he can work together to get you the straight teeth that you want and no more drifting or opening up of spaces between your teeth.

Should I get bonding and a permanent retainer since the ortho told me my bottom teeth wouldn't move if my retainer broke? (Photo

Answers (2)

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Should I get bonding and a permanent retainer since the ortho told me my bottom teeth wouldn't move if my retainer broke? (Photo

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Bonding

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.