Am I supposed to have a bite with Hawleys?

[felicia]

I have upper and lower Hawley retainers. I am not able to bite down... actually none of my teeth touch when I bite down while wearing my retainers.
Can anybody tell me if I am supposed to be able to bite?

[TumbleDryLow]

I've been looking at photos of Hawley retainers online and I see that most have wires that go between the teeth. Is this what prevents you from biting down all the way? I also, in my searching, discovered something called a "Wrap Around" Hawley which, as the name implies, wraps around the teeth. There are no wires going across any teeth, thus leaving the chewing surface open for the upper and lower teeth to meet naturally. See here: http://www.olyortholab.com/retainers.html

[felicia]

I am not able to bite down because the lower acrylic hits the upper acrylic.
http://whatsinasmile.files.wordpress.co ... g_2225.jpg
this is how my lower retainer looks like
http://r-polortholab.com/media/retainerR-POL%20097.jpg
this is how my upper retainer looks like

[TumbleDryLow]

Interesting. And not what I expected. Thanks for letting me know.

[Randee]

Im having the exact same issue. Im afraid its messing up my bite. Ive only been in retainers for 3 days and have gone back to have them checked and the ortho adjusted a few things but its not any better. Maybe it is normal? Its frustrating. The fact that I can hardly speak with them sucks even more.

[badbite]

My lower teeth hit the acrylic of my upper retainer, but it doesn't bother me. I have a splint in my lower and I hate that! Just got them today.