Bottom retainer broke

[schipain]

So just as the title says, my bottom retainer broke. I noticed some of the cement chipping away here and there for the past couple weeks so I guess this was bound to happen. It's been about 10 years since I've had braces. Is it really necessary for me to spend the money to get this fixed?

[assertives]

There is always the possibility for teeth to shift without wearing a retainer, and some experience it more than others. Hence why the saying that retainer is for life. So I guess, necessarily or not would really depend on how ok you are with your teeth shifting and to what degree is deemed acceptable to you.

[Zoidberg]

If you don't wear the retainer and your teeth shift, you may be faced with the possibility of having to get braces again to correct it - assuming it bothers you.
I know its a hard pill to swallow, but personally I would spend the few hundred sorting out the retainer rather than risk having to spend potentially thousands (not to mention the pain, discomfort and inconvenience), of having braces again.

I had removable appliances in my late teens but eventually stopped wearing my retainers, now I'm doing it all over again in my 30s, really wish I had stuck with the retainer, but maybe I'm a little biased on the subject!

[Jethro]

I agree with the others: without a retainer your teeth will shift. I'm in braces for the 3rd time due to failed retainers. You have been warned. LOL

All the best,

Jethro