Essix retainers Question!

[raheelk]

Hi!

Just received my essix retainers... the plastic tend to create an open bite because of the back teeth hitting first... this isn't going to cause permanent open bite right? I am supposed to wear them 24/7 for 6 months and then at night after that for up to a year. Just wanted to ask!

Also, will I get used to the retainers? They seem to cause a bit of a gagging sensation but I'm just thinking that it will take me a few days to get used to it. Thanks!

[lionfish]

I find that I'm unable to "close" fully with the essix in place, but I think it's entirely to do with the thickness of the plastic. But if you're concerned, do give your ortho a call.

Yes, you will get used to them.

[cNp-21]

I got my braces off almost two years ago, and I have had essix retainers since I got them off. I went to the orthodontist yesterday and they changed my retainers to essix on bottom and hawley on top. I think it was a class 2 overbite that he said I have. I will be getting my new retainers on wed.

[urfutureortho]

I never had problems with my essix retainer. I had two different ones for the top and a bonded one on the bottom. The only reason I had to go to the hawley retainer was because I had started clenching my teeth at night which caused me to mis-shape my essix. That is the only problem I had. Oh and I cracked it while cleaning it. Grrrrrrrrr

[SnowSara]

I got used to the feeling of my essix retainer in a couple days and found it to become quite comfortable. I had to do a little bit of filing with an emery board to one of the inside edges that was rubbing my tongue, but otherwise it was easy to get used to.
I have only had my retainers for 4 months or so, so can't comment on my personal experience with how the long-term affects my bite, but I only sleep with them in now and don't really feel any change in my bite when I have them in or out.