Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi, I am getting my braces off in a week's time and I have been reading about people's experiences with retainers on the forum. I am due to have the clear, essix type of retainer and I was wondering if they are better, worse, or the same as the hawley type when it comes to speech problems? I am a bit nervous about the retainer affecting my speech so any replies would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Hey pharie!

Good to hear you're so close to joining the naked club!

I can't help you with your query but I'm bumping this so someone more knowledgeable can- best of luck.

I've had the clear retainers for 2 days and my speech wasn't affected to much. I hardly even notice them now.

I just got my retainters two days ago, and the lower Hawley is fine - I can see it straightened a tooth that already went crooked again in the 12 days since I debanded. But the upper Hawley is killing me - I had to remove it for work, as I could not speak and I was gaging! I almost thrown up a few times since it is gagging me so badly. I think it's starting to get a bit better tonight, but I still can't speak clearly enough to work my job. I just have to hope things improve as I get used to it.

I only have my braces off the top arch so far, and have an Essix retainer as well as a bonded retainer behind my front two teeth.

I have got a very slight lisp when I speak and it hasn't really improved in the week i've been wearing it - but it is very slight. That said, I believe that Essix retainers are a lot easier to speak with than Hawleys.