i am supposed to choose my own retainer type

Message

#1 Post by **dcbraces** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 11:51 am

my ortho wants me to choose what type of retainer i get. any thoughts/pros/cons on different types?

I do a lot of speaking in public

#2 Post by **Brandyleigh35** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:01 pm

Hard Question because I only have the Essix. I can say that I have a job where I have to talk all the time too and the essix has been great for that. It is a bit trickier to get out when you have to eat, but I like that when its in no one even knows you are wearing it, and it took all of about 5 minutes or less to learn how to talk clearly with it. I will be getting a bonded retainer on the bottom at my next visit (my ortho doesn't recommend them for the top as he says people hit them with their teeth while chewing and they get broken off easily. )

My son has the essix on top and bonded on the bottom and thinks they are great. He no longer has to wear his essix during the day, only at night and he says he doesn't even notice the bonded one. I like the essix too because you only see your teeth rather then a wire acrossed the front and bottom. I will say that the first few days though (until your teeth adjust) it can be a bit tricky to get out. I'm 3 days into mine now and it is finally getting easier to remove and replace. So...that is my two cents worth.

Brandy

#3 Post by **SDFD TSchott** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:17 pm

I Will be requesting I get hawley's because I don't like the idea of permanent retainers and Essix I just don't know! I've paid money for braces went traditional so I think I will stick with traditional and get Hawleys when the braces come off...

~Tim~

#4 Post by **Jillianleab** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:33 pm

My ortho puts everyone in Essix with nighttime wear only. I have had no problems with mine so far. I think it took all of two minutes to get used to speaking with them in.

#5 Post by **Brandyleigh35** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:43 pm

Jillian,
My doctor is the same, he only uses Essix. Hawley's are not an option. I'm really starting to like my Essix now though. It is getting much more comfortable. Just took a few days for my teeth to adjust.

Brandy

#6 Post by **momof2grlz** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 7:11 am

I have one of each; upper hawley, lower essix for nighttime and lower fixed. I'm not sure how it would be getting used to a lower hawley, but I really prefer my hawley for retention. Of course my lower essix is practically invisible, but I don't feel like it's substantial enough to prevent small movements. I can actually feel my hawley getting everything snugged back up if I've had it off for the day. I've got no complaints about my lower fixed either. It takes a couple of extra seconds to floss, but that's it. I really wasn't given a choice by my ortho, but knowing what I know now, I think my ortho made the best choice for me.

#7 Post by **gunter8888** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:36 am

I think if I had the option I would like to have Essix for both to wear during the day because they are less visible and impair speech less. Then I would have Hawleys, top and bottom, for night time. The Hawleys seem to be more solid and do a better job at retention.

I think I will actually be getting a permanent retainer on bottom and a hawley up top.

#8 Post by **Beckster** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:00 pm

What I can tell you is that essix will effect your speech the least, and that is what I would request in your situation.

I had hawleys when I had my braces off the first time and didn't care for them much. This time I have essix at night, as well as a fixed lower. If I were in you, I would ask for a fixed lower, regardless, and definitely essix.

Good luck to you!

#9 Post by **SkyWolf** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:37 pm

My best friend spent 3 years in braces and she had essix retainers. Within 2 years of being debanded her retainers had turned a sickening yellow and had holes all over them. Her teeth have shifted back completely. My ex b/f had a halwley top and bottom and he got his off over 8 years ago and his are still picture perfect. I refused to have a bonded retainer on the bottom and I refused to have the clear ones. My ortho hates the essix retainers as he says they break much to easy.

#10 Post by **Betty Bat** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:09 am

I always get worried when I read posts with "Essix hate" in them. I've been wearing my Essix (upper) retainer since last April with no problems. That's 9 months for me.

On the other hand, I HATE my Hawley, which I got in October. It doesn't hurt, but it's uncomfortable. And, I think the Hawleys are really ugly. I didn't think the braces looked too bad, but I really don't like the look of the Hawley - when I'm wearing it AND when it's in its little case, sitting on the sink.

So, this is just a reminder - remember that whatever you like or don't like, chances are that there is at least one person out who has the opposite opinion. (Unless it's something really stupid, of course, like holding your teeth in place with duct tape and toothpicks)

#11 Post by **Beckster** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:18 am

Betty--This is a tad off topic but wanted to say that your remark about the duct tape and toothpicks was HILARIOUS!

#12 Post by **Betty Bat** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 11:52 am

Meryaten,
You always have a fair and balanced view of pretty much anything related to orthodontics, so my previous comment certainly was not directed to anything that you had said. But I was commenting on Skywolf's post:
[quote]
My ortho hates the essix retainers as he says they break much to easy.
[/quote]

And, Beckster, thanks!

#13 Post by **Betty Bat** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 12:36 pm

Meryaten,
Very true! There's no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to retainers - or pretty much anything else in life.