Got my braces off but essix retainer feels sooooo tight!

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#1 Post by **larma** » Sun May 23, 2010 5:56 am

Are they supposed to be so hard to get in and out? I feel like i am pulling each tooth out of my mouth each time.

I haven't talked to the orthodontist just went and got my impressions and then picked up the retainer. I have no idea how long/often I am supposed to wear it.

I go back in june to look at my lower braces....so I guess I will ask him then. But thought I would check to see if you all had any advise?

Thanks!
Larma

#2 Post by **braciefacie** » Mon May 24, 2010 11:01 pm

Oh geez, I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time with the Essix. I'm waiting to pick up my Essix retainer soon

I don't think they're supposed to be difficult to get it in and out, unless your teeth have shifted. I heard you're supposed to wear it 24/7 (with the exception of meals/brushing time) for at least the first 3-6 months, but I guess it varies depending on the patient and what your ortho told you.

How long was it between your debrace and when you got your retainers?

#3 Post by **Snowglobe32** » Tue May 25, 2010 12:38 pm

If we learn only one important thing during the entire "ortho adventure" it is to wear your retainers! I would wear them all the time except when you eat for now, at your next appointment, talk to the ortho about it.

#4 Post by **symphonix** » Tue May 25, 2010 12:42 pm

Snowglobe32 wrote:If we learn only one important thing during the entire "ortho adventure" it is to wear your retainers! I would wear them all the time except when you eat for now, at your next appointment, talk to the ortho about it.

You have to wear them ALL DAY for the rest of your life????!!!!

#5 Post by **hj55** » Tue May 25, 2010 1:42 pm

When I get my retainers I will have to wear them evening & night for the first year, then three nights a week forever!

I'd just phone & say you wanted to check what you should be doing.

Good Luck!

#6 Post by **Snowglobe32** » Tue May 25, 2010 7:00 pm

symphonix wrote:
You have to wear them ALL DAY for the rest of your life????!!!!

No...every ortho has a different recommendation. I have only had my braces for 9 months so I am nowhere near retainers but from what I have read here, teeth can move when people don't wear them.

Why spend all the time and money on braces if one will not wear their retainer? Our teeth have been held in place by wires and brackets for however long our treatment time is...just because the braces are off, does not mean treatment is over. The purpose of a retainer is to retain the teeth.

I have a coworkers who has had her braces off for years, she will still wear her retainer on weekends or on week nights. She doesn't wear it all the time, but when she goes for a long period without wearing them, she can tell things are different when she puts the retainer back in.

I plan on wearing my retainer as the ortho prescribes, then wear it as much as I need to in order to retain my smile.