I need to remove a bonded retainer myself

[somnula]

I got my braces off about 3 years ago and a metal wire was put on the back of my bottom teeth. The orthodontist hadn't told me that he was going to put it there, or even what it was. I really didn't like having it there permanently but it was already there so I let it go until today. I remembered it and looked in the mirror to see that the bottom half of every tooth it touches is blackened and looks decaying. I'm really freaked out as I floss every night, brush carefully and even specifically try to brush those teeth but I guess the bar has gotten in the way of the bottom half of them getting brushed. I've never had a cavity in my life, and don't have any kind of insurance so right now I just want to take the bar off and try to take better care of those teeth and see if it's some kind of permanent damage or will be better once I can clean properly.

Is it even possible to just pull it off, with that glue stuff attaching it? I'm afraid of breaking the teeth it's attached to, or is that just silly and I need to apply enough force?

[Zoso]

You should get it removed by a professional - if you try to do this yourself, you risk damaging your teeth. I am not sure if your general dentist would be willing to do this for you, or if you'd need to head in to the orthodontist. If you don't also have a removable retainer for that arch, you should head in to an orthodontist anyway, since if you do not wear a retainer at least a night or two per week, you can in all likelihood expect your teeth to become crowded and crooked at the front as the years go by.

I understand that it's hard to find money for routine dental check-ups and cleaning appointments when you are not insured, but do please try to make this a priority at least once/year, even if you can't do the recommended twice/year. It's important not only to keep a check on the health of your teeth and gums, but also to screen for other oral conditions such as cancers. It's even more important to go to the dentist regularly when you have a bonded retainer, btw, since if this comes at all loose you run a greatly increased chance of decay.

[Sunny]

Somnula it sounds like your ortho had planned for the wire to be a permanent retainer, but there shouldn't be any colour coming off it. If you call your ortho and explain that three years later this is what has happened and you want it removed, it should be done free of charge.

If that's not possible, then please contact your dentist for advice. You may need to go to an orthodontist for this and if so, ring first for a quote and then save the money as fast as you can, as this bar may be damaging your teeth ... although hopefully it's not.

Good luck!

[Zoso]

Sunny - I am sure that Somnula's orthodontist will be delighted to know that you are volunteering his services free of charge! Somnula - he may indeed be willing to remove it for you without charging you, but then again, he may not - best is to give him a phone call and enquire.

[Sunny]

I volunteer nothing ...

[I Want Nice Teeth]

I had one of those wire retainers too. But if yours is like mine I wouldent take it off. You'd probobly mess up your teeth.