Metal Mouth Message Board

I'm new to this site. I just got essix retainers about 5 months ago and hate them, the already have a hole in them and are cracked in three places. Just wondering if a metal retainer is any better and the price difference between the two.
Thanks!!

depending on their thickness some essix will only last about 6 to 12 months. Less if you are a grinder.

If you dont like it perhaps a hawley ret might be a better choice for you.

I had the same problem - after a year my Essix retainer had two small holes in it and obviously more on the way. I had a Hawley retainer made (AUD$450) which is working okay although I wouldn't like wearing it during the day. The front of the wire is coated with plastic that moulds to my front four teeth - keeps my teeth snug but is quite bulky. I also find the plate rather bulky and it makes me feel a little bit like gagging - however I have seen other people's Hawley retainers and they've been a lot smaller than mine. As I only wear mine at night it's not such a big deal so I'm not worried. I still wear the Essix retainer one or two nights a week just to make sure that my teeth aren't moving - although the Essix is a pain in terms of wearing out I do like the way it holds my teeth in place. It feels much more effective than the Hawley although that's probably not the case in reality.

I just got an Essix upper and Hawley lower, and I hate the Essix with a passion (and not just because it isn't blue and polka-dotted ). I feel like I should be in a boxing movie, and IMO, it is totally noticeable, whereas I think the Hawley wire is kind of cute. I'm thinking of going in and asking for a Hawley upper as well, but don't want to be too much of a pain....

I think I'm the opposite of you, as I rather have an essix than the hawley I have now. I thought essix retainers were near invisible, no?? I also don't want to be a pain and ask for an essix though

hawley's are obviously really noticeable and make me slurrr...