I had braces while in high school (almost 20 years ago). When I got them off I got bonded retainers glued on the back of my top and bottom front teeth.

6-7 months ago, during the height of COVID, while brushing my teeth, the top wire came dislodged on one end, and the resulting tension has opened up a new gap.

The orthodontist today told me that to fix it I will need braces on top and bottom for 15-18 months with rubber bands, followed by clear retainers at all times for 8 weeks, then retainers nightly for another year.

That seems like a lot for just a little gap that wasn’t even there just 7 months ago, and no other dental problems. Do I have any other options?