Teeth settling and Essix retainers

[petebite]

Hi all,

I was debonded a week ago and enjoyed seven days of metal-free teeth. At first not all my molars touched but after a few days everything became MUCH more comfortable.

Today I started with Essix retainers and now my teeth can't close as easily with or without the retainers. Is this what people mean when they say that Essix retainers don't let the molars 'settle' as well?

My question is - after three months when I go to part-time wear will my molars settle more naturally? Won't the Essix just keep pulling them back to where they were at debonding? Thanks!

[djspeece]

I am not certain, but I think I would put a call in to your orthodontist -- it's possible that the retainer is not fitting correctly. I am not familiar with the idea that the Essix won't allow molars to settle, but that doesn't mean it isn't true. I had an Essix for several months while I was awaiting my Vivera retainers, and did not have any issues with the Essix. Best of luck to you.

[FlyByNight]

I've been wearing Essix since august and I'm still having issues with my molars touching. It's slowly getting better but it's still an issue.

[petebite]

I am not certain, but I think I would put a call in to your orthodontist -- it's possible that the retainer is not fitting correctly. I am not familiar with the idea that the Essix won't allow molars to settle, but that doesn't mean it isn't true. I had an Essix for several months while I was awaiting my Vivera retainers, and did not have any issues with the Essix. Best of luck to you.

Thanks Dan, I might just call my orthodontist and see what they say. I think a hawley could suit me better. I've never heard of Vivera! Hope they work out for you

[petebite]

I've been wearing Essix since august and I'm still having issues with my molars touching. It's slowly getting better but it's still an issue.

Does it get better during the day if you aren't wearing your retainers? What did your ortho say? I'm considering Hawley as they supposedly allow for a more natural occlusion.

[FlyByNight]

I've been wearing Essix since august and I'm still having issues with my molars touching. It's slowly getting better but it's still an issue.

Does it get better during the day if you aren't wearing your retainers? What did your ortho say? I'm considering Hawley as they supposedly allow for a more natural occlusion.

It definitely gets better during the day. I end up with an almost perfect bite before I go to sleep. In the morning, it starts all over again. However, in the past few weeks my teeth haven't completely changed back every time. My ortho told me my bite would get better with nighttime only wear. He is right so far.

[petebite]

I've been wearing Essix since august and I'm still having issues with my molars touching. It's slowly getting better but it's still an issue.

Does it get better during the day if you aren't wearing your retainers? What did your ortho say? I'm considering Hawley as they supposedly allow for a more natural occlusion.

It definitely gets better during the day. I end up with an almost perfect bite before I go to sleep. In the morning, it starts all over again. However, in the past few weeks my teeth haven't completely changed back every time. My ortho told me my bite would get better with nighttime only wear. He is right so far.

Glad to hear it is getting better. Hopefully I will be in your shoes in a few months.