I got my braces off a few days ago (finally) but now I have to wear this retainer thing which is worse than the braces! It has a wire that goes around the front few teeth and it has a plastic part behind the teeth, I can take it out whenever I want to. I hate it because it causes me to have a lisp and it hurts my teeth. Some of my friends who have had their braces off had a clear thing that they had to wear in the day and a night one which is like the one I have. I wanted to know how long I'll have to have the retainer in for and if I'll have to wear it all day everyday or just at night after a few months. I would ask my dentist but I don't see him for 2 months.

You could call his office and ask the question or ask your parents to help you do it. The dentist should be glad to answer your concerns even when you are not at the office.

You might also find out if the other type that you mentioned is an option for you. I don't know the cost or the details for the different types, but that might also be a factor. It could also be that the situation with your teeth may require something different than the other kids have.

You should let your orthodontist know how your retainer feels. He may be able to make some adjustments to it since he does NOT want you to NOT wear it. You could ask about having a wire cemented behind the front teeth (similar to what was probably done to your lower front teeth), this would eliminate the plastic on the roof of your mouth causing your lisp.

The orthodonitst will probably want you to wear your current retainer 24/7 (except when eating and to clean it) for a number of months and then you will only have to wear it at night and eventually you can leave it out and just try it in every couple of weeks to make sure it still goes in easily and isn't tight.

My mum called the dentist and one of the nurses said that I'll have to wear it for about 6 months. I've had the wire cemented behind my front and bottom teeth before and I would rather have that but my mums not going to let me have it even if I do pay for it myself because it's "a waste of money". So since I can't pay for anything different I guess I'll have to live with it...
Thanks for your replies