Bonded / fixed retainer

[Bobbyelvis4ever]

Hello!
Are there any dentists / orthodontists who could answer something on fixed retainers?

I had extensive orthodontic work involving braces and tooth removal between the ages of 13 and 18. I had fixed retainers put on at the end - I'm now 43.

The bottom retainer snapped about 10/15 years ago, and the bits attached to the back of the teeth removed. My teeth haven't noticibly moved.

The top one, attached to my 2 front teeth has just snapped today. A quick google suggests a replacement is very expensive, and I can't decide whether I need one, or not. I know the purpose is to hold the teeth in their 'new' place, but also that the bone has to reform / strengthen. Will this have happened sufficiently in 25 years for me not to need another?

There remains a small gap on each side where the 3rd tooth from the back was removed to create space.

I know you'd need to see my teeth to properly comment, but very thankful for any general guidance!

Call your orthodontist? They’ll have to remove it anyway.

Doesnt it irriate you as it is now and what is expensive? All dental work is expensive sadly. I

Cheaper to get a new retainer than pay for braces when your teeth (inevitably) move.

You could ask about night time removable retainers instead of a fixed bonded retainer. Highly likely your teeth will move back without something.

I'd get it replaced. You may have been lucky that your lower teeth have not relapsed but there's no guarantee they won't or the top ones aren't going to. It would be a shame for the top front ones to move as those are the most visible, so would likely bother you. Retainers are life long I'm afraid as we can't guarantee teeth stay where we put them! You can call around and ask for costs but it most likely needs to be looked at first. Sometimes they can be repaired/patched up or the whole thing needs replacing as there's different costs involved.

Unless you wanted to just remove the whole lot and rely on a night time retainer that you wear? There'd obviously still be a cost involved (which could be comparable) and you'd have to wear it a few times a week long term.

Thanks all.

The money isn't really an issue, nor does it bother me (I've had it so long I barely notice it), I just wanted the basics before my appointment.

Dh and Ds were told bottom retainer only as top ones snap too easily and night time guard instead.