Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi. I got my essix retainer for my bottom teeth yesterday, finding it very tight and sore today. The big question I am looking for an answer too is.. Do I need to take it off to drink Coffee?

I had Essix retainers top & bottom first time around, & I asked my ortho the same question. He said technically you shouldnt drink hot drinks with your Essix in, as it could warp the retainer, but he then said you wouldnt be drinking the coffee that hot anyway as it'd burn your mouth, so he gave me the go ahead. I never had a problem with it, just dont drink scaldingly hot coffee! Your coffee should never be that hot anyway, as the milk loses it's sweetness & burns, so it shouldn't be a problem

My top tip is to remove your retainer, & swish it & your mouth when you get a chance after the coffee though, as the coffee tends to accumulate under the Essix which is a bit gross

I personally wouldn't wash it in hot water and I wouldn't drink hot fluids with it in either, not only because it may distort it but you could stain the retainer.

You should treat your Essix retainers like one would treat Invisalign. No food or drink except water. It isn't only the warping of the retainers, but also staining and possibility of cavities, that should be of concern.

Thanks for all the tips. I have been taking it off to drink coffee which has reduced the amount i drink due to taking it off and on..