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Are Retainers Okay?

Fbmb

By Fbmb
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Fbmb Rising Star
Fbmb
Posted

Ok, so, here goes. Today I had my teeth cleaned, and this was my first time there since I've been diagnosed. I double checked that their tooth polish is gluten free, and they told me it's safe. I feel fine. Tonight I was at Walmart looking at buying some mouth wash (I was scolded, as per usual), and I Googled gluten free mouth wash. I stumbled upon an article about gluten free products and dental stuff. The person mentioned a study that was released stating that a child's retainer was making her sick because it contained gluten - in the plastic. I had braces when I was a teenager and had them out about 12 years ago. I got one of those old school retainers. The kind with the plastic part for the roof of your mouth and the metal wire that goes around the front. It's cuuuuute. Let me tell you. Anyway, I decided to delve into this more, because I don't know if my retainer is safe now. I found an old thread on here where it looks like people were debating this, and for the most part, seasoned Celiac's agree that it's a bunch of bunk. 

Do people have opinions? I know that many of you do a great deal of research into Celiac and that you may have some information. I'm looking for real science - not fear tactics. I wear my retainer religiously, My mom paid almost $5,000 for my teeth to look like they do, and I'm not about to let them get shnaggled again. I'm 29, but they still move if I don't wear my retainer. I've been debating getting a new one - one of the plastic ones that you can't really see, but I don't want to shell out the dough for that until I have to. I'm shocked mine has held up as long as it has. 

When I was diagnosed back in November my TTG was >100. Two months later it was 12. So I assume that my little retainer isn't causing much damage, as that's pretty significant. I have to go back in July to have my blood tested again. In the meantime, is this something to stew over?

I have no idea where my retainer was made, or who made it. It was a long time ago and I bet if I called my orthodontist to find out who the manufacturer was they wouldn't be able to tell me. Maybe I'm wrong. It was 2004 or 2005, so I'm assuming they won't know at this point. But I could check if people think I should.

I feel fine, for the most part. But I was a silent Celiac when I was diagnosed so I don't trust my body to not tell me if I'm being glutened. I'll just say that. 

Thanks!

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kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Ugh!  This again.....

first ...it was one person...not a study... just someone's speculation.

if I am remembering correctly - no one actually tested the retainer. The kid was a 12-16 yr old an drew could have gotten caught eating gluten, etc, etc, etc.   And then those internet folks who love to spread " bad news" or  use that stuff to further their purpose, jumped on it.  And then let's talk to a chemist or plastic scientist - if the plastic leaches our actual proteins, like gluten, wouldn't the plastic piece break down after a while?

welcome to the world of Celiac internet myths.

 

adding - none of the Celiac Centers, Associations, etc have warned people not to use a retainers.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

As I am sitting here, I am wearing a retainer.  Yep, had a tooth extracted a few months ago.  To keep the space open for a future transplant, my dentist ordered a retainer.  I read that PUB MED study.  One kid.  Not very scientific at all!  Gluten Free Watchdog agrees that the odds of this kid being glutened by her retainer is slim and none.  

Like my PCV sprinklers lines, retainers probably do not last a lifetime.  Ask your dentist how long they should last.   No one wants to eat plastic!  

Fbmb Rising Star
Fbmb
Posted
  • Author

Thanks :) I didn't pay attention to how long ago this study came out and wasn't sure if anyone had any "recent" data or information. Plus, my retainer is a Hawley retainer and I think it's made of acrylic. I'm not sure that would even have gluten products in it. I'll keep wearing it.

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