Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi there, I am a teeth grinder. My treatment included bonded retainers plus Essix top and bottom retainers. The Essix retainers only last about 4 months because I cracked them due to clenching at night. For that reason I got a pair of Hawley retainers, and a night guard for the top, just for sleepin...

After 2.5 years of braces I didnt even notice they were there, I was so comfortable with them that I kind of missed them once they were off. I was very motivated through all the process and I didnt mind the extra year I had to wear them.

I got the Essix included in my treatment and paid for the Hawleys as a back up but I ended using more the Hawleys as I felt more comfortable with them. They are also more robust, but it will take sometime to get used to them. The Essix are more discreet but I tend to clench with them all the time an...

By my experience so far, I'd say get Hawleys at least for night time wear. You will gradually destroy your Essix retainers. I clench a lot myself and it seems like I clench more with Essix. I still clench with the Hawleys on, but it's a lot less and I won't destroy the retainers if I do. Totally ag...

My retainers feel tight but not too much, I feel quite comfortable with them. If yours feel too tight I would tell your ortho.

I am able to bite with my retainers. Congratulations, your teeth look great!

I got the standard because I did not have extractions. These Hawleys feel very different and I have some soreness. Maybe it's because my Essix retainers got a little more loose these two weeks. The ortho explained that I won't have any major movement as long as I'm compliant. I still haven't decide...

Are you getting the standard Hawley or the wraparound? I got the wraparound.

My lower Essix is only 6 months old and it already has a hole in it. For that reason I ordered a pair of Hawleys. It's been only two weeks and I'm clenching like crazy, so I wouldn't be surprised if mine last 6 months or less. That' s my problem with the Essix, I keep clenching my teeth all the tim...

I asked for the Hawleys as a back up but I ended using them more than the Essix. If the wire is not an issue for you I think you will like them.

My lower Essix is only 6 months old and it already has a hole in it. For that reason I ordered a pair of Hawleys.

I was given a set of Essix retainers and had to pay for A set if Hawley retainers, which I prefer. I read several studies that compared the effectiveness of both retainers and there is not significant difference between them. I think that adults are given usually the Essix because they are more disc...

Mine was 18 months and I had them for 24. I didnt want my ortho to take them off until I was 100% happy!

My ortho usually gives Essix retainers to patients because they are better aesthetically so people are more compliant wearing them, but I think both types of retainers are good. I personally prefer the Hawley type, I feel more comfortable with them and they are more robust, I dont care about the wire.