Q.
Hi. I’m currently having my teeth reset via an Invisalign treatment which is due to be complete in Jan 2010. The focus is on rotating an upper incisor so that it aligns with the rest of my teeth. I’m told that I’ll need to wear retainers at the end of the treatment and am not sure which type to go for. My dentist has a preference for fixed retainers which need to be worn for at least five years though he suggests wearing them indefinitely. However feedback from his other Invisalign patients has been that there has been regression in the molars and pre-molars which has had an impact on the more visble incisors and canines. The alternative are trays much like the Invisalign trays I currently wear. Initially I was told that I’d need to wear these all day and night for six months and then just nights after that. However I’m told by other people with knowledage of such things that wearing them every night from Day One will be more than sufficient. This sounds fine but my concern is that the teeth will constantly be moving – regressing in the day and then being corrected every night… Also I’m concerned about breaking the retainers (which has happened with several of my Invisalign trays). Plus cleaning is a concern as I can never get my Invisalign trays 100% clean no matter how much I brush them. However the latter would be my preference as I could eat and drink whenever I wanted, clean and floss properly, not worry about getting food caught in fixed retainers, etc. Could you offer your advise and expertise in helping me choose. Also I would be very grateful if you could spell out all the pros and cons of both types of retainer, your patients’ experience and perhaps even any alternatives. Kindest regards Harp