How bad is lisping with Hawley/Essix? Do people really gag with them? I've read so much about these two retainers, but I guess I can't find a consensus on how it makes you talk! I get my braces off in October.
Please help!
Mark
Retainer Talk
Moderator: bbsadmin
I have an Essix on the top and a Hawley on my bottom teeth. I lisp a little bit but it never botherd me since I was so happy to have my braces off. I never had any gagging. The more you wear them and get used to them the easeir it will be to talk. I now wear mine at night so I do have to say my lisp has come back, but again the retainers are soooooo much better than braces. Good Luck 
I have the opposite to TeenQueen; a Hawley on the top and an essix for the bottom (over the top of a bonded retainer).
My speech is fine. I do notice a difference but when I ask other people they say I sound normal so it mustn't be too bad.
I never had gagging or anything. It did take a bit of getting used to but the more you wear them the easier it will be.
My speech is fine. I do notice a difference but when I ask other people they say I sound normal so it mustn't be too bad.
I never had gagging or anything. It did take a bit of getting used to but the more you wear them the easier it will be.
It only took me a day or two to begin talking normally with my upper and lower Essix retainers. I just sang along a lot with the radio for practice and found that my lisp (which was QUITE noticeable that first day! 
) quickly disappeared. Fortunately, I never had any problems with gagging. Best of luck, and congrats on the upcoming debanding!
) quickly disappeared. Fortunately, I never had any problems with gagging. Best of luck, and congrats on the upcoming debanding!Braced 10/13/04
Debanded on 07/11/06!!!
Currently in upper and lower Essix retainers 24/7.
Debanded on 07/11/06!!!
Currently in upper and lower Essix retainers 24/7.