orthodmd

Great question

Nothing removable works perfectly well. I believe that an Invisalign type
retainer (slip cover) is the best retainer for the long term. Since it fits
each tooth precisely, it will keep all the teeth properly aligned. If you fail
to wear it over a weekend or on vacation for a week, just grit it out and wear
it enough so that it fits again and you will be back to square 1.

The more traditional kind of retainer is a Hawley and it has some value during
the beginning of retention if band spaces must be closed or vertical settling
allowed. Once that first six months is over with, better to be in a slip cover
long term.

Another option is a cemented retainer which, in my opinion is the best, as long
as your teeth can hold it and you don't have a lot of problems with the
retainer coming loose.

Charlie Ruff
Charlie Ruff, DMD
Specialist in Orthodontics
Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics

bammers5

What do you consider to be the minimal coverage with this type retainer? For
instance, 6 anteriors, all teeth in the arch, somewhere in between....

Keith

carabelli

I have been using Essix Embrace along with some other products on an
increasing basis for 4 - 5 yrs. My prescribed regimen for wear is usually
24-72 hrs full time and then night only. Lately is has been NO only. Some
have been out there four 4+ years and look great. The nocturnal clenchers
beat them to death.

I have progressed from 6 anteriors, to 8 anteriors (esp. if bi's were
removed) to the most posterior tooth. Today I saw several of the six
anterior with a mix of extraction cases and non-extraction that had not been
in for awhile - all looked acceptable at worst for that long out.

I have even made a few with an ersatz NTI discluding element - I do not
think it works as well with the lowers splinted with an Essix on the lower
because forces are evened out too much.

carabelli

bammers5

Thanks. My son informed me 2 days before he was to leave for school that he had
lost his retainer. No time to get him into the orthodontist so I borrowed a
sheet from a dr. and made him a new one. Now he is complaining about the
coverage (to first molars, as the original was). He was a fairly simple case
just for cosmetic correction with no extractions. Do you think covering 6 or 8
is adequate for retention? Just in general, i mean.

Keith

carabelli

I love this time of year. Mix some slurry in with the plaster, try to pour
it before it sets up and send them home with a new retainer 10 minutes
later.

No time to get him into the orthodontist so I borrowed a

Sure, assuming it was made properly (if it engages in the undercuts
adequately so that effort is required to remove it you're probably OK).

carabelli

loserth

This is good information, thank you very much. Do you anticipate
that a careful adult patient would ever need to get them remade?

Thanks

-RL