I always knew that I would have to wear a retainer once my braces were off, but I was under the impression that a retainer was clear. I seen pictures of retainers and a lot of people had like a metal wire going across their top teeth. Does it make a difference if it's metal or clear? And can I wear a clear one if I ask for it?

A removable retainer will be made of acrylic with a wire attached. If you don't want it visible ask your orthodontist if he can cement one in behind the teeth.

There are some retainers that have a clear band across the teeth. It's a little thicker to provide necessary strength but the it's not as visible.

You also can get clear trays, similar to Invisilign, that cover all surfaces of the teeth. The cons of this type is that 1- it's not adjustable and 2- they don't last as long because most people tend to chew/grind them. You will have to replace them more often.

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Originally Posted by flossie

A removable retainer will be made of acrylic with a wire attached. If you don't want it visible ask your orthodontist if he can cement one in behind the teeth.

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Can they do this for the top row of teeth? I've seen people with the bottom row having a wire cemented in but not the top.

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Originally Posted by nikosmom

There are some retainers that have a clear band across the teeth. It's a little thicker to provide necessary strength but the it's not as visible.

You also can get clear trays, similar to Invisilign, that cover all surfaces of the teeth. The cons of this type is that 1- it's not adjustable and 2- they don't last as long because most people tend to chew/grind them. You will have to replace them more often.

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Do you know if if costs more to have the clear band?

The trays are what I thought retainers were all along, lol. I would prefer wearing them but I'm sure they cost a lot more, right?

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Originally Posted by Bonita--

Can they do this for the top row of teeth? I've seen people with the bottom row having a wire cemented in but not the top.

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Yes you can have the band cemented for the top teeth also.

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Originally Posted by BONITA--

Do you know if if costs more to have the clear band?

The trays are what I thought retainers were all along, lol. I would prefer wearing them but I'm sure they cost a lot more, right?

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I'm not sure if the clear band costs much more. I will say this, I've had all types of retainers and my favorite has been the regular kind with the metal wire. It fits the best, was adjustable and lasted longer. Keep in mind, eventually you will only need to wear the retainer at night once your teeth stabilize.

A zillion years ago, I wore what was called a "positioner" at night only. This was basically a "custom-fit" moulded mouth guard. Worked fine. I had to exercise it every once in a while.

Cleaning it was the pain.

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Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

A zillion years ago, I wore what was called a "positioner" at night only. This was basically a "custom-fit" moulded mouth guard. Worked fine. I had to exercise it every once in a while.

Cleaning it was the pain.

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A zillion years ago! Lol You're not THAT old KISS! :p

Cleaning is easy with any of the dental appliances as long as you clean them first thing in the morning so that the "yucky stuff" doesn't have a chance to sit and get hard. The best way is to brush them while you're brushing your teeth.

No matter which type you choose, continue to wear it as directed by your orthodontist so that your teeth don't slip back into their original position.

It was a zillion years ago because I had braces from 3rd grade to 10th grade.

I'm not kidding.

I had a wire across the top of my mouth attached to two braces. One of my teeth totally missed my gum and came in the roof of my mouth. 4 bicuspids extracted in the hospital and there were no gaps.

Trauma from the surgery eventually caused the other bicuspid to decay FROM THE INSIDE OUT and after a failed root canal it was replaced by an implant.

I first went to the orthodontist when I was 6 years old!

Baby teeth were as big as permanent teeth and the roots on the bicuspids were like 14 mm deep. Long.

Two types of removable retainers.. Hawley (with a wire) and Essix (like a clear mouthguard) Both do the same thing. Essix will get more gross over time as it is impossible to clean fully. If your orthodontist wants you to wear it 24 hours a day after the braces come off, then the Essix will look better. Also, a thick essix retainer won't break too easily, a thin one will, and a Hawley can bend if you sit on it! I think essix is cheaper, and if you keep the stone model its made on, it will be easy to get a new one made in the event of breakage.

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Originally Posted by nikosmom

Yes you can have the band cemented for the top teeth also.



I'm not sure if the clear band costs much more. I will say this, I've had all types of retainers and my favorite has been the regular kind with the metal wire. It fits the best, was adjustable and lasted longer. Keep in mind, eventually you will only need to wear the retainer at night once your teeth stabilize.

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Oh OK, thank you. The reason I want it to be clear is because I've had the braces since I was 18 and I'm so tired of them. I really hate my braces I'm tired of wearing them and I was really looking forward to having a nice clear smile, but when I saw how a retainer looked with the metal part there I was so sad thinking that I would have to wear that for another 6 months after my braces came off.

Do you know if there would be any reason my orthadontist would insist that I use the metal one? I reallyyyyy don't want to wear it and I'm scared that he might say it's my only option.

I will wear my retainer no matter what, I don't want my teeth to be bad again. I don't have a problem with wearing one I just want it to be clear. I'm not looking forward to cleaning it and all that but I guess I have no choice. My teeth were horrible when I first got my braces on but they look almost perfect now and I can't wait for the braces to come off :D

Amir1981, my orthadontist wants me to wear the retainer 24/7 for 6 months after the braces come off. I was thinking that maybe there would be a reason I wasn't allowed to wear the Essix but if I can I'll be getting that FOR SURE lol.

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Originally Posted by Bonita--

Do you know if there would be any reason my orthadontist would insist that I use the metal one? I reallyyyyy don't want to wear it and I'm scared that he might say it's my only option.

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Some orthodontists just have a preference for the wire (hawley) retainers because they are more adjustable. Personally, I still think they are the best and I've used all 3. Maybe after your teeth stabilize some, he'll let you switch.

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Originally Posted by nikosmom

Some orthodontists just have a preference for the wire (hawley) retainers because they are more adjustable. Personally, I still think they are the best and I've used all 3. Maybe after your teeth stabilize some, he'll let you switch.

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O man, OK. I hope he lets me wear the essix. I think if I find out I have to wear the hawley I'll cry, lol.

Thank you for replying.