Removing fixed Invisaligns

Kai_63

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 and it is so expensive to replace. The dentist (one of the biggest, reputable Invisalign 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 just having the fixed retainers removed entirely and wearing the night guard every night instead (she actually does this herself and doesn't have fixed retainers).

Surprised there's no mouthguard that works with Invisaligns.

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

Kai_63

Just to clarify I mean that I already have the wires on my teeth, i think they're called fixed retainers.

brook2jack2

The problem is if you grind heavily you will keep breaking fixed retainers, they are made out of very thin plastic , If you already have a bite guard that is made out of stronger stuff and if that is breaking you are doing some very heavy duty grinding . 

Bite guards can be made out of stronger  stuff , if they have broken , but have you addressed the grinding issue (anti depressants can make it worse, changing those can help ) , stress management can help , in extremis Botox into the jaw muscles can help ?

Kai_63

brook2jack2 said:

The problem is if you grind heavily you will keep breaking fixed retainers, they are made out of very thin plastic , If you already have a bite guard that is made out of stronger stuff and if that is breaking you are doing some very heavy duty grinding . 

Bite guards can be made out of stronger  stuff , if they have broken , but have you addressed the grinding issue (anti depressants can make it worse, changing those can help ) , stress management can help , in extremis Botox into the jaw muscles can help ?

Thank you, yes I think maybe I need to speak to a specialist dentist and get proper night guards. My current ones are made of thick plastic, not sure if other materials will be better.

I've ground my teeth various times over the years due to major life events of various kinds. Currently going through redundancy and menopause and trying to sort out my HRT so perhaps once that's settled things will be better!