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twiks09 · Apr 26, 2009, 08:10 PM

I had my braces off last December. I was supposed to go in a month after, but missed the appointment. What with one thing and another its been 4 month and I haven't been back to the orthodontist for a follow up. I have also not been wearing the retainer every single day. My question is: Is it still worth going in now? Or have my teeth moved back too much for them to do anything? To top it all off my wisdom teeth also have begun to grow in. What should I do from here? I don't want to have to get braces again!

nikosmom · Apr 26, 2009, 08:24 PM

For starters, you need to wear your retainer because, yes your teeth will slowly slide back into their original position. Do you really want to undo all the painful orthodontic treatment you had?

You should still go back so that your orthodontist can see how much, if any, your teeth have shifted. Especially now that your wisdom teeth are coming in, he can evaluate whether it will affect the ortho treatment you've had and also refer you to an oral surgeon if he thinks you will need to have them removed.

flossie · Apr 27, 2009, 06:30 AM

I'd give nikosmom a greenie but I "have to spread reputation around".

Definitely go back to your orthodontist. You could also try wearing your retainers EVERY DAY. Sometimes doing that is enough to put your teeth back to where they were when your braces were removed.

If you are having trouble wearing your removable retainer ask your orthodontist to cement a wire behind the front 6 teeth then you won't have to worry about leaving it out.

As for your wisdom teeth, your orthodontist should have informed you if you'll have room for them or not. If he has already told you you won't then it's time to make an appointment with your regular dentist and see about having them removed.

twiks09 · Apr 27, 2009, 08:25 PM

Thanks guys,
I wore my retainer all day today and could feel all my teeth shifting back into place (ouch!). I have also made an appointment to see the orthodontist in two days from now and I will ask about getting that wire put into place. It sounds a lot more convenient than the big chunky thing that I currently have. It digs into my gums and develops a nasty taste after a few hours or wearing it

nikosmom · Apr 27, 2009, 08:41 PM

You may need to have it adjusted to relieve the discomfort.

As for the taste- be sure to keep your retainer clean. When you remove it in the mornings, take your toothbrush and a little toothpaste and brush it clean. Otherwise the plaque will build up on it just like it would build up on your teeth. Do the same before bedtime. That thing can harbor a lot of germs and it's best to keep it clean to avoid a bad smell/taste.