Metal Mouth Message Board

I got my braces off in early February. I have an Essix type retainer on top and a permanent one on bottom.

I know I'm supposed to be wearing my retainer 24/7 right now, but there are times when I have it out for a few hours at a time. Dinner parties, during communion services at church, etc.

Every time I've had it out for more than an hour or so, I feel quite a bit of pressure when I put it back in, particularly on my left front incisor. I'm supposed to graduate to nighttime only retainer wear in a couple months, and I have to wonder if this is going to be the case EVERY night, only worse. It doesn't seem to be getting any better as time goes on.

I ask because I've heard Essix retainers force your teeth into their braced positions so perfectly that the teeth never really settle right. I will have the option of getting a hawley retainer when I go to nighttime retainer wear, and the woman who fitted me with the Essix at my ortho's office recommended doing that, not because of the pressure, but for long-term durability.

Any thoughts?

Many dental professionals feel that an Essix retainer does NOT allow your teeth to settle properly, which is why they offer Hawley retainers instead. This is because the retainer encases your teeth and does not allow a perfectly natural bite when wearing it. It have heard that comment from several dental professionals over the years.