What is an essix retainer used for?

Usage. The Essix Appliance is used to maintain a previous orthodontic result or to simply prevent undesirable movement of the teeth. Lower retainers are most often bonded to the six front teeth and are invisible to the world.

How long does an essix retainer last?

Essix retainers are possibly the most well-known.

They are made of clear plastic and require daily thorough cleaning. The Essix retainer lasts for about 3-years or less before it needs replacing.

Can you eat with an essix retainer?

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING (except plain water) while wearing the Essix retainers. Any liquid with sugar (or even acid, like diet soft drinks) will pool around the teeth and can cause decay or white (decalcification) spots on the teeth!

What is the difference between essix retainer and Invisalign?

Clear Essix retainers are designed just to prevent the teeth from shifting. Retainers will not move or straighten your teeth, they will prevent them from shifting further. Retainers are made using the same 1mm clear Essix material as Invisalign, so it is easy to understand how people get the two confused.

Do essix retainers break easily?

One of the few downsides of Essix retainers is that they are fragile and can easily break if not properly cared for. The most common reason retainers break is improper removal. The second most common way in which retainers are broken is improper handling while cleaning.

Which retainer is best for upper teeth?

Hawley Retainers

These types of retainers can be used for both upper as well as lower teeth. These retainers are fully removable. Orthodontists recommend that you should take out Hawley retainers while eating or consuming sugary drinks.

How often should you wear essix retainer?

If you’re using a retainer after having braces, The American Dental Association recommends wearing it at all times for the first two to three months and at night afterward.

Can essix retainers move teeth?

The beauty, and the bane, of the Essix Smile Aligner is that it does not allow teeth to move unless space is present in the aligners. Without space, the tooth hits plastic and movement ceases.

Are retainers stronger than Invisalign?

Retainers are thicker than your clear aligner trays, so they won’t hold with the same strength and can also wear out faster if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night.

Can I just wear my retainer at night?

Most orthodontists advise their patients to wear their retainers for the rest of their lives. However, the retainers only need to be worn at night and skipping a night here and there is no big deal. So retainers really aren’t so bad! Except at the very start of your treatment, you’ll be asleep while it’s in any way.

Can a tight retainer make your teeth fall out?

A tight retainer can damage teeth if it’s too tight. If your teeth feel loose and your retainer is too tight, please visit us for assistance. Make your regular checkups and mention your concern.

Can I go two weeks without my retainer?

Rule of thumb is: you have to wear your retainers for as long as you want them to be straight. Your teeth begin to shift if you don’t wear retainers at night every day. If you go a week without wearing retainers, you may notice a small amount of relapse, small spaces, or rotations.

Should I wear retainers while eating?

Wearing your retainers while eating is optional, but encouraged. If you wish to remove your retainers, make sure they are placed in their protective case and stored in a safe place. NEVER wrap your retainers in a napkin or tissue or place them unprotected in your pocket.

When can I stop wearing my retainers?

Retainers keep your smile in place when active treatment is complete and adults need to wear their retainers for life, but adolescents may be able to stop wearing them after about 10 years.

Can I choke on my retainer?

Removable Retainer

A dislodged retainer can become a choking hazard. Put the retainer in it’s case during such activities. Since your teeth can still shift years after orthodontic treatment, it is vital to consistently wear your retainer.

Should I brush my teeth before putting my retainer in?

Do brush your teeth after every meal and before putting on your retainer. Do use your hands before putting your retainer in your mouth. Make sure it’s correctly in place before biting down.

Can you bite down with retainers?

Because the clear retainers cover your teeth, when you bite down on something you will be biting the clear material of your retainer. This biting may cause damage to the retainer over time. Clear retainers can also become yellow or gray if not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.

Can you smoke with a retainer in?

If you are wearing a removable aligner, you can minimise the chances of their staining by removing them while you smoke. Alternatively, if your dentist has attached a fixed retainer inside your mouth, the best thing to prevent staining the retainers is to avoid smoking altogether.

Can I drink water with retainers?

NEVER eat anything while wearing your retainers. It’s OK to drink water while wearing the retainers, but remove them if you drink other beverages. If you forget to wear your retainer, wear the retainer full-time for few days to re-align your teeth. Your teeth may be sore while they re-align.

Can you shower while wearing retainers?

Can I wear my aligners in the shower? Yes your aligners can stay in as normal while you are in the shower, there is no need to remove them at bathing time.

Can you drink milk with retainers?

When your retainer is in your mouth DO NOT eat chocolate, sweets, chewing gum etc. Or drink sugary or fizzy drinks (incl. diet varieties) and acidic fruit juices. Water and milk are best.

How long should I wear my retainer a day?

approximately 22 hours a day
How many hours should you wear your retainer? The first three months after you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment you need to wear your retainers full-time, which means approximately 22 hours a day. That does mean you will need to sleep with them. However, you can remove them when you eat or brush your teeth.