Hi,
My dd is due to have 4 teeth extracted for braces. She's now doubting herself because of the fact that she's been told to wear retainers for life afterwards. I just wanted to ask if theres anyone here who has had teeth extracted for braces and then not worn the retainers for most of their life so far, and found that the gaps have opened up again? She understands that her teeth will shift, but is it to the point that the gaps would be visible again? Also, she was saying she'd feel more comfortable going through with it if she could wear her retainers properly for several years and then not decide to wear it anymore or once in a blue moon type of thing, without the consequence of teeth shifting drastically or gaps opening up. I really dont know what to tell her, as I dont know anyone who has had any ortho work done.
She's been wanting braces not for cosmetic reasons, but mainly because she has a bad tooth that might need taking out anyway, and to prevent bad dental hygiene problems for the future. She's thinking of not doing it, but I thought it would be better for her to do it now while she's getting it for free?But is there point if she doesnt want to wear the retai ers for life and doesnt want the fixed ones either?
I really appreciate any replies! (Ps thread was on general health, but new to mn, so dont know if it might be better here?)