Removing invisalign fixed retainers?

[Wonderbug81]

Wasn't sure where to post this!

I've had my Invisalign fixed retainers in for two years along with the night guard (can't remember the name) which I use for 4 nights a week.

They've broken three times during that time. The dentist (one of the biggest, reputable dentists) has said that it might be because of my heavy bite and also because I grind my teeth (the night guard has actually broken due to the pressure).

She has said I might be better off jjst having the fixed retainers removed entirely and wearing the night guard ecery night instead.

Does anyone else do this and/or have any advice on what to do?

Don’t do it. I had the same issue and mine broke. My teeth have since moved back. Get a stronger night guard and wear it every night. Your bite will ease by doing this.

you can get a fixed wire behind your teeth

DD has the wire behind her teeth and wears the trays at night. Wire has broken once and she's bitten a hole in the Invisalign once! Dentist is very chill about it and will do the fix for free.

She did lose the teeth retainers at least once but they were only in for the beginning of the treatment and came off after six months.

I'd go for the wire if you can get it, I had thought it was a standard part of the treatment otherwise your teeth more prone to move around.

Sorry I haven't explained properly. I thought the fixed retainers were wires.

I have the wires already and yes they've broken three times! Hence why she's suggesting it's the grinding and bite that's putting pressure on them and therefore removing the wires entirely and just wearing the mouthguard every single night to keep them in place.

@Deebee90 When you say stronger nightguard, is there a particular type I am supposed to get? Mine is already a thick plastic. She said there's another time that is meant to be 'better' but the material is thinner so not sure how.

I’m not sure what it’s called. I had 3 made by my dentist and they all broke. In the end I got one made by the dental hospital that’s a lot stronger and so far I don’t grind as much. Is Botox an option for you? That’s meant to be amazing for teeth grinding

I had the same problem and got them removed in the end. I didn't grind my teeth until I had the invisalign, I think perhaps I don't like the retainers in my mouth and night 😅 anyway don't forget to put them in at night and go without them as I did as my teeth started breaking off because of the grinding. So I make sure I wear them every night now. Nothing worse than waking up with a mouthful of broken tooth 😫

Is it a specific invisaline fixed retainer? I've had a fixed retainer for 30 years with no issue, but maybe other types are more robust.

Oh wow! Have you found the mouthguard breaks or do you think you've stopped grinding since they were removed? I have a history of grinding, just wished I'd known before.

I'm not sure I'm using the correct term. I have two wires fitted (one top and one bottom). They have broken three times. I wear a plastic mouthguard at night too and that has cracked so I think it's from the grinding.

Oh interesting about the dental hospital, will try that I think. And didn't know about the botox but I hate needles so will crack on without. 😆

Is it the wire or the fixings that are breaking? I've got a fairly thick wire on the bottom that is shaped to match my teeth, but only attached at either end to my 3s. Various dentists and hygienists have commented that it's unusual to not have it fixed to all of the teeth, but it makes it easier to clean around. Maybe you need something slightly different, rather than having exactly the same thing made each time.

I haven't worn a night guard for years, but that doesn't stop me from waking up, convinced I've swallowed it.

This is what I have for the past 15 years and never had an issue with it (touch wood) though it isn’t as easy to keep your teeth plaque free…

These are what have broken three times so I do think it's because of my bite and teeth grinding.