Question:
Eleven years ago, my orthodontist cemented a wire as a retainer on the back of my lower teeth. I receive a cleaning every six months and always have a report of healthy gums. I like the fact that this retainer keeps my teeth straight, but is it bad to leave this retainer in my mouth for so long?
Answer:
A recent study says no. As long as you are cleaning under the wire and getting routine check-ups you are good. The study examined patients who had worn a fixed retainer for 10 years or more and looked at the health of the bone in the back and sides of the lower front teeth. The study concluded that fixed wired retainers had no adverse effects on the bone level measured in the study.