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I have a permanent retainer that consists of a metal bar connecting my two bottom cuspids - essentially it isolates my six bottom front teeth. I have had this retainer since I was 14, so I don't remember what it's like to play euphonium without it. My dentist says it needs to come out. Has anyone had this kind of experience before?

- Jamie

Yes. How old are you, and how much bone do the x-rays show? I had a lot of bone loss when the wire was removed, and my teeth were very loose, so I had implants before I lost any more bone.

I'm 30. There was minor bone loss, but I'm sure it will get a lot worse if I don't do anything. What was playing like when they took the retainer out?

I have this exact same type of retainer in the exact same location. It was "installed" by my orthodontist years ago. My dentist doesn't seem thrilled with it, but hasn't ever advised that it be removed. In fact, over the years he has repaired several of the bonds that have cracked or chipped.

We're about the same age and I had this retainer put in at about the same age you did. I can't really recall at all what it was like to play without it and developed most of my playing with it in place.

Why does your dentist suggest removing it? Have you received the opinion of an orthodontist as well?

CrappyEuph wrote:I'm 30. There was minor bone loss, but I'm sure it will get a lot worse if I don't do anything. What was playing like when they took the retainer out?

My retainer wire was removed before I resumed playing about six years ago.

I would recommend getting a checkup and cleaning from a periodontist. A periodontist will do deep cleaning of any pockets, which regular hygenists and dentists may not have the skill or time to do. The periodontist will help you keep your natural teeth for as long as you live.

My playing got more comfortable after I had implants to replace my loose, lower jaw teeth. I had a removeable bridge for less than a year while the implants bonded, with no problems at all playing. In fact, I did a concert about 24 hours after extractions and I got the bridge.

I'm a person who puts very little pressure on the mouthpiece, but I can tell a difference in comfort with implants.