Permanent retainer removal after 16-17 years in place

Today marked the day I had my permanent retainer removed. I had braces twice as a kid, once in elementary school and again in middle and high school. It was always planned as a two stage thing. When I got my braces off, I don’t know if I was supposed to wear a retainer at night on the top or not. I never did and my teeth never moved.

On the bottom I had the permanent retainer installed along the bottom front 6-8 teeth. It was always so much bonding on the backs of my teeth that I could not floss, brushing between the adhesive was impossible and even a Waterpik did nothing. During cleanings even the dentist could not get floss between the bottom teeth.

So now, I’m about to turn 33. I noticed my lower gums continued to recede and it was time to get rid of the retainer. My dentist decided I needed to have a night time plastic retainer/night guard, but I am unsold on them. For one the way they’re fitted the rear teeth are the only ones that actually touch. It’s almost like the bottom tray is not shaped correctly and tilts up at the rear most teeth causing this issue. 2… the top retainer is so tight it’s nearly impossible to even get on and off. As I said, my top teeth haven’t moved in over 15 years since my braces were removed. I don’t see why I need to wear a top retainer now. I’ve seen a lot of information one way or another saying the teeth will move, some saying their teeth didn’t move after having the bar taken off, or some saying they went back to a permanent retainer.

I will plan on updating the post or any questions periodically with what my results have been, and what I end up doing as far as the aligners are concerned. Anyone else who has had their retainer removed after 15+ years, I would be interested to hear what happened with your teeth and if they moved at all.