Wellness

[Sweetbay magnolia]

If you've had Invisalign braces, do you faithfully wear your retainer at night once you've finished?

I had serious correction done in an "overcrowded" mouth and I found the whole experience to be miserable (I had tons of extensions) and I do wear mine.

My front teeth were chipping becauase my bite needed to be corrected.

I just got new retainers and they are not cheap!

[cindyNC]

My original dentist used a different brand of aligners and removed them too soon.  My current dentist asked if I wanted to re-do the experience - i have one bottom tooth that's crooked. 

The new dentist made new retainers and they quality is vastly different.  I wear them about 6 times a week. 

My issue is that I remove them from the corner of my mouth and risk cracking the retainer........have done so with the top one and had to get it replaced at $350. 

[RU4 real]

I have never skipped a night wearing my Invisalign retainers. I even wear them when I take a nap. Specifically, because I clench my teeth while I sleep. Your teeth can shift very quickly if you miss several nights in a row. Then your aligners/retainer will not fit at all. Then there's a very pricey process to get new ones. What keeps me motivated to wear mine is the fact your teeth also shows your age. Because as we become seniors your teeth can shift. Keep your beautiful smile healthy. Your retainer should last 12 to 18 months.

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@Sweetbay magnolia wrote:

If you've had Invisalign braces, do you faithfully wear your retainer at night once you've finished?

I had serious correction done in an "overcrowded" mouth and I found the whole experience to be miserable (I had tons of extensions) and I do wear mine.

My front teeth were chipping becauase my bite needed to be corrected.

I just got new retainers and they are not cheap!

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[Sweetbay magnolia]

I hear you, @cindyNC !  I'm a grinder and mine were falling apart.

The new ones have a "bite plate" that keeps me from chomping down but I sound like Foster Brooks (if you remember him, the drunk on Laugh-In) when I try to talk.

I got two sets for $500.  Plastic!  Though they did a scan and I didn't have to go through the dreaded impression thing.  Laying back in a chair with bad sinuses is miserable, with the mouth closed.

[RU4 real]

I reach to the last molar on each side to release mine, then, with my forefinger and thumb, pull them off from the front. The retainer should be made of a more durable material than the aligners.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Oh - another question:  do you use a fizzy cleaner or just brush them?

[SilleeMee]

I just had a custom night guard made and that cost $400. But I need it to protect all of my expensive crowns I just had put in which includes several implant and traditional crowns. The night guard is worth the investment for me.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Yep, @SilleeMee I have endured many crowns, crown replacements, and root canals.  So far no implants.

I am with you on the importance of protecting them.

The Air Hawk that you recommended several years ago, has proven to be a champ (BTW).

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Thanks, @RU4 real .  I need to be more mindful of how I treat mine.

[SilleeMee]

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@Sweetbay magnolia wrote:

Yep, @SilleeMee I have endured many crowns, crown replacements, and root canals.  So far no implants.

I am with you on the importance of protecting them.

The Air Hawk that you recommended several years ago, has proven to be a champ (BTW).

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@Sweetbay magnolia 

Yes, that Air Hawk is great! I just used it the other day and it saved me a trip to the gas station for air. Glad you are getting good use out of the thing.