Got a crown and now my retainer doesn't fit

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#1 Post by **HollyDontSpend** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 8:09 pm

Hi everyone! Been braces free for about 1 year now, with no problems. A few days ago I had a crown put on one of my bottom molars and the dentist shaved some of the molar on the top (the one that sits over the crown) to help it fit better. Now my top essix retainer doesn't quite fit and when I bite down, it feels weird. I'm a clencher and I'm worried that this might affect my bite. Anyone dealt with this?

(I only wear my retainer at night--so far I've only forgotten to wear it twice)

#2 Post by **samantha_lou** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 10:33 pm

Your ortho may be able to just tweak/adjust your retainer a little bit Holly, it could be a worth a quick visit for a retainer check!

Website · #3 Post by **alexa** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 11:42 am

Hey Holly! Good to see ya on the boards again...bummer that it's because your retainer isn't fitting right though.

I can't remember...did you have an essix? At any rate, just call up your ortho and schedule an appt. If you have an essix, they can just make you a new one, that better accomodates your new crown.

All the best!

#4 Post by **HollyDontSpend** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:59 pm

Hey thanks guys!

#5 Post by **KittyW** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 10:36 am

If you have an essix, they can just make you a new one, that better accomodates your new crown.

I am going thru this now! I have finally begun having my restorative dental work completed and a new (temporary) crown on my right upper rear most molar was just put on. My dentist had to cut a tiny hole in the side of my Essix so the suction wouldn't pull the temporary crown off. As soon as I get the permanent crown in a few weeks, I will have to get a new retainer too. I will likely have to get few new Essixs as my work is completed in the next two years. When it is all finished I will get a night time splint from the ortho ($850 - already paid for!) The replacement Essix are $40. I have already had one break too (cracked in the front!). I think they get brittle and dry out.

Anyway, good luck with the new crown! I am so thrilled to finally get all my old dental work fixed. Had a tooth colored filling done too...replaced an old metal one. Talk about wow factor! I have 2 more to have replaced and can't wait! My teeth look 20 years younger!

Kitty

#6 Post by **simplywired** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:07 pm

I need to have some dental work done when I'm debanded and have had the question about retainers and needing to replace them when this is done. Is the hawley retainer better as far as being able to "adjust" it when having new crowns? Also please tell me what a night "splint" is. Is is like a nightguard? I used to wear a nightguard before my braces and miss it a lot.

Sorry - one more question

- if you have a permanent retainer on say the bottom arch, why is it necessary to also have an Essix retainer ?

#7 Post by **KittyW** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 9:23 pm

Simplywired, the nightsplint is a thicker version of the essix retainer, from the way my ortho described it. I have no idea why it is so expensive, but he told me to get all of my upper dental work completed before he takes molds and orders it because of the price. The essix I wear now it ultra thin.

With the Hawley, I think it depends on which teeth you're having crowned. For example, I need 3 new crowns on my lowers, but they are all rear molars and don't affect my retainer.

#8 Post by **Chris** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 12:49 pm

I need a nightsplint after my braces come off but I am wondering if the Hawley's are "Tweeked" to make some changes because of movement, then the nightguard won't fit anymore.

Did your dentist or ortho discuss movement and nightguard use?

#9 Post by **fins** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 6:31 am

I know you can tweak a hawley a little bit but I don't think too much. Their not inexpensive to replace either.

#10 Post by **Chris** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 8:40 am

I know you can tweak a hawley a little bit but I don't think too much. Their not inexpensive to replace either.

Yeah, and the custom nightguards are even more expensive!