Should my Essix hurt this much?

[Shrinkrap]

I am closer to 60 than 16, and just got my second set of braces off.

I had them just under 18 months, got a Hawley the day they came off, but orthodontist said he would make an Essix for me to pick up a week later, since he thought I'd like it better. I thought I would because between the gagging and lisping that first week, I wanted the braces back!

But when I picked up the Essix, it wouldn't go in! The part of the back molar kept popping off. They made me a new one, this time with a LOT more gagging on that gunk as they molded it, and sent me home with the first Essix to see if it "settled in".

In the comfort of my home, I noticed the part that kept popping off was a little crushed, and after I straightened it out, it went on without popping back off, but very snuggly, and with some pain. That was two days ago. Today is a little better, but I've been dreading taking it off and putting it on because of the pain, and taking ibuprofen three times a day, starting about 30 minutes before the first go round.

I am thinking of wearing the Hawley, at least until I see the orthodontist in a week, but wonder if it would get better if I just powered through, and worse if I go back to the Hawley.

I am no stranger to pain, but this is making me avoid eating and that is saying something!

[oldfart]

Essix suck. I prefer Hawleys Good luck

[Shrinkrap]

Much better the last few days.

[Snowglobe32]

What do you mean a part was crushed so you straightened it out? That doesn't sound like an acceptable retainer to me.
Your essix should fit perfectly and not cause any pain especially when they first make it. To have pain off an on isn't good. Yes, there is a bit a discomfort to be expected when you've gone a bit without wearing it but it sounds to me like it doesn't fit properly. I would wear the hawley until you can see your ortho again and maybe just stick with that one...maybe they are both not fitting properly and switching back and forth is causing more harm than good?