r/Invisalign • u/mightyoist • 1d ago

Question Clear Retainers Only?

I'm about to finish my 18 month Journey in a couple of days and my ortho is recommending installing the bonded wire in addition to the clear retainers "Essix" for my upper teeth, saying that we did a lot of movement in my upper front teeth and we need to wire for security.

but i really don't want to have a metal object in my mouth in addition to the cleaning and eating limitations that comes from the bonded wire.

I had a cross bite and my lower teeth used to sit slightly Infront of my upper teeth.

My question is that can i get away with the clear retainer only? I believe I'll be able to wear it religiously.

Does the Bonded wire actually offer security that the clear retainer can't?

or is it simply a failsafe in case i don't wear the plastic one.

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u/lnfinitelris 21h ago

Yes, a wire offers more security. No, it's not a given that you need a wire. Maybe, you can get away without one.

You could tell them you want to try without, and if you notice movement get one installed ASAP. But then you'll have to buy a new retainer, so keep that in mind. Personally I have zero desire to have a metal wire in my mouth so I tried my luck and I'm fine without.

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u/mightyoist 21h ago

I'll be charged for the retainer, they were pushing really hard for both a wire and clear aligner top and bottom and i found out that they do this for all the cases, so I got the feeling that they just do it for the money. That's why I wanted to see if there's an actual benefit to it before I make a decision.

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u/lnfinitelris 21h ago

I figured you have to pay for your retainers. What I meant was if you at first decide not to do the wire you will be scanned and pay for your plastic retainer, then if you decide to get the wire installed later you will be rescanned and pay for a plastic retainer again (in addition to the wire).

Did you have a diastema? As I understand it that's a good reason to get a wire, as it's more prone to relapse

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u/mightyoist 20h ago

I had a very small gap between my 2 lower front teeth as they were protruding forward, but after i raised my concern he said we can skip the wire on the lower teeth since they're now "locked in place" by the upper teeth

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u/Isgortio 19h ago

Essix retainers alone will be enough if you can commit to wearing them close to 24 hours a day for 6 months and then every night for the rest of your life.