I have had a permanent bottom retainer for 8 years. It's very difficult to floss because of it.?
478582
I had one too, and was told that once my wisdom teeth came in (or were taken out) I could get the retainer taken off.  I had mine taken off and the hygenist had a very difficult time getting the tartar off the backs of those teeth.  My advice to you is to get it taken off ASAP.
1099038
Ingested fluoride is important until all your adult teeth are formed to help make the teeth strong.  To keep them strong and healthy brush at least 2 times a day for at least 2 minutes with a soft bristle brush.  The brush should be angled at 45 degrees and you should start at the gums and "vibrate" the brush.  Don't scrub back and forth.  This can cause recession and wear the enamel.  If this sounds like a lot of work think about a Sonicare toothbrush.  Floss daily.  Make sure you get under the gumline and wrap the floss like a "C" around each side.  You can also use an antimicrobial mouthwash like Listerine to keep the gums healthy.  Or you could use a fluoride mouthwash like ACT to help remineralize the enamel.  Also regular cleaning and exams (once every six months will be sufficient if you have no existing periodontal conditions or other dental problems) are very important to maintaining dental health.
364885
they'll be uncomfortable for a while cuz you arent used to them. i got mine on at the same time as a oral surgery, so i was in double pain but so drugged up i couldnt really tell for a few days. i only remember discomfort because there were these new things stuck to my teeth, but i dont think it was too bad.\nbut after you get them tightened every few weeks, you'll probably need some advil :)\ndont worry, im sure you'll do fine :)
1010086
It sounds like you need to look at getting a new set of dentures. Your gums continue to shrink and change shape and you need to get your dentures refitted every few years.\n\nUntil you can get them fixed up you could use an ibuprofen based pain killer. However you shouldn't use these for very long as they can cause damage.\n\nAlso try rubbing baby's teething gel onto your gums to numb the area.
477026
Its possible you could be experiencing bruxism, talk to your dentist, some peopple who are overly stressed or have parasites can have this.
569747
I have the same problem and it is really hard to quit this bad habit I have tried alot of things and nothing works for me. The only thing when I have acrylic nails that really works because I do not bite those. Well good Luck trying to quit that bad habit!
589670
You probably have got a cavity. You need to go to your dentist and get a filling.
110195
Go to your local drugstore and buy a night guard.  You will boild it so that it conforms to your mounth.  It sounds uncomfortable and obstrusive, but it really isnt, and you'll barley notice it during the night.  This will stopp grinding from damaging your teeth.
348279
Well, sorry to say this but you are kinda screwed.  Since there is no pallate on the bottom to help create suction to hold the lower in, its always gonna pop up on ya.  You either have the choice of training you mouth muscles to hold your lower in or go talk to a dentist or oral surgeon about getting 2 implants on your lower jaw to hold it.
1149044
You should go back to your orthodontist to ensure things are all right.  Today's modern retainers are pretty easy to bend so you should get it assessed.  And definitely keep wearing your retainer every night - it takes a long, long time for your teeth to get well-seated again and stay still.  Even then, you should wear your retainer at night for as long as you can.  :)
834711
Okay, I had braces for 4 years so I can help you here! :)  You have the little threaders, you will put your floss in the little hole.  Go under your braces wire and pull the threader all the way through but leaving the floss in there.  Just floss as normal now, as you pull the floss inbetween the two teeth.  They also have water pics that have full force and get all the food out of your teeth.  I did that most of the time and it worked better than floss.  But, you may need to floss for your gums, I don't know what your situation is.  Goodluck.
1131451
Did the orthodontist give you any proxabrushes?  They look like little Christmas tree shaped bristles.  These work great to get all the plaque out from around the brackets.   Also using an electric toothbrush (like a Sonicare) helps massage the gums and remove plaque.  Some of the inflammation could be from moving the teeth, if you had a lot of spacing and the teeth are moving closer.  But usually it comes down to not removing all the bacteria.  Ortho requires meticulous oral hygiene.  I am sure I dont hae to tell you that all kinds of stuff gets caught around the brackets!!  \nI wouldnt rinse with peroxide for very long, long term usage can actually harm the tissue.  Instead ask your dentist or orthodontist if they can give you a RX fro PerioGard, or if they have it available to purchase in office.  This rinse kills bacteria better than any over the counter rinse.  If you dont want to use that rinse try Breath Rx rinse or the new Crest Pro Health rinse.  I would stay away from Listerine because it contains a lot of alcohol which actually dries the tissue.\nInterested if you are experiencing a lot of bleeding along with the swollen gums.  This is the telltale sign that it is due to bacteria and plaque more than movement of the teeth.\nKey is brush, floss, proxabrush, rinse.  Also try a waterpik that flushes bacteria and debris from around the brackets and gums.  \nGood Luck, remember it will be over eventually and then you will appreciate how much easier it is to clean your teeth without all that stuff!!
676825
If your dentist says you have to do it, it's probably because they may crowd your teeth, cause pain, and--this is really serious-- create abscesses and/or get infected. If you're young (20s and younger), this is definitely the time to deal with it, you'll be given painrelievers and you should be up and about in no time. \n\nHowever, the older you get, the more chance that the surgery gets more involved and the recovery time slower. I would really urge you to get it done, because I waited too long myself. My dentist says it is now considered serious surgery for me and I may need a whole month to recover, and that's if there aren't complications! And why did I ask my dentist for it? Because my jaws now hurt in those areas, and my lower teeth are starting to crowd and get more cavities and stains.\n\nSo please, please don't put it off.
926509
Hells yeah I floss once every day right before I go to bed! If i miss one day without flossing my mouth feels soo gross!!
415669
They're not that bad.  You get used to them and then it's just the tightening that hurts for a little bit.\n\nI wore braces for 3 years.  You're numbed a bit when you get them and it's not painful at all.  However later that day it does become pretty painful.  Use Oragel!  I didn't learn about the wonders of this stuff until later, but it really does help numb the painful area.  You'll probably need some ibuprofin too.  the pain won't last though.\n\nThe one recommendation I can make is WEAR YOUR RETAINERS after.  Even after the dr. tells you that you don't need to, check your teeth for movement and check with him/her immediately if you notice a change.
621236
There's sometimes a natural small space in the back of your mouth. It normally goes away pretty soon. Retainers (unless they're specially made) won't do anything.
1094975
It is uncomfortable, but you can bear it.  It does hurt... when you get them, when you eat, and every time you get a new wire.  \nBesides pain, it is uncomfortable to wash your teeth, you get the sensation that your mouth is full with food.\nYou have to take care of your teeth, because of all the food that remains, and because it is difficult to floss, in order not to get cavities. \n\nI suggest you to get them if you really have to.  I had them for two years, but I really needed them because, besides a pair, my upper teeth never touched my lower.  I also had two teeth taken out, to have enough space to move the other..  some people loose 4 or more to get space.  That is important to consider.. remember teeth don't grow up again.