Retainers?

Post Reply New Topic

So, after having braces on for about 4 years, I got them off a week ago. I also just got retainers today.

I can't have them in my mouth for more than a minute without gagging on them. The fact they feel strange isn't bothering me, none of that, but they, especially the top one, are causing me to gag and I just have to take them out.

So I'm asking for those that have previously or currently have retainers, does it get any better? I keep trying to put up with them in my mouth but I can't get it to happen.

Please help. I have to wear them 24/7 and I really do want to do what my orthodentist has said but it's just impossible for a minute, nevermind 24 hours. How do I stop myself gagging on them?

I usually just mixed my favorite toothpaste and water together in a glass and dunked mine in. I don't wear them anymore though.

You could try getting a permanent retainer. They're less invasive but it makes flossing a real pain.

Oh ok, thanks I suppose it tasting nicer should help. I'll just have to see.

What is a permanent retainer? I should only have to wear this one for a few months, no more than a year.

They kind of always make me gag. I had braces for two years, and I wore my retainer for two years like I was supposed to. I still wear it sometimes because I don't want my teeth to get ruined, but it's uncomfortable.

A permanent retainer is a thick-ish wire glued to the back of your teeth. They're quite effective, actually.

Good luck with your removable one! Don't lose it.

If I lose it we have to pay for it It's been free other than that (apart from a toothbrush kit and the retained box). But thanks, I think I'm getting a bit more used to it, I can keep it in for half an hour at a time now, and the bottom one in almost constantly

Oh, what do you do about the gagging? It's alright if I'm at home when it starts, but I don't want to begin gagging and be forced to take it out while at school

I have retainers currently. I gagged at first, too.
My orthodontist filed them down as much as possible, and I eventually got used to them after about a week.
nonetheless, I can't wait to not have to wear them.

My orthodontist really messed things up and I ended getting my braces off after 10 months (it was supposed to be 2 years). I was given a retainer for full use, and when I first wore it, I couldn't talk, eat or anything and I usually gagged on the bottom one. I definately got used to it over time, though, and still wear both some nights even though both are broken...

Ah I only gag occasionally now, and I wear them all the time. I'm pretty used to them. Except sneezing Oh, and I sometimes gag trying to talk with them in. But I'm getting fine with them.

Now it's about cleaning them. The top one is easy to clean. It's a bit of plastic with no crevasses and some wires on it. The bottom one is a clear plastic mould. I brush inside and out multiple times a day but I just feel the deepest parts (my front teeth tips) just aren't getting clean.

^ get retainer-brite from your dentist. All you have to do is put the tablet in your cup and let it fizz and put your retainer in. It takes about 15-20 minutes and it gets your retainer really clean.

Thank you, I will try to remember for the next time I go

i never wore my retainer.
my teeth are less than perfect but looks fine
i felt it was disgusting, icky with spit and stuff.

I got braces when I was 12 and had them on for almost 2 years. I now have a retainer (the kind where its clear plastic, like a mouthguard). I wear it most of the time, I wash it out with toothpaste everyday otherwise it starts to smell really bad....

I found retainer-brite really effective, I used to buy a ton of it. I never found toothpaste effective enough.

i just got my braces off this February after nearly 3 years.
my orthodontist said i need to have the top- rainbow colored one on all day and the bottom, transparent one at night.
first thing i do when i wake up it take those things out of my mouth. they just have a bad taste in the morning i can't stand, and it makes me gag.

also my dog chewed up my top one and i had to get it fixed (for free!)
my fault, i left it on my bed-couch.