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Retainer Talk

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 7:02 am
by asu1983
How bad is lisping with Hawley/Essix? Do people really gag with them? I've read so much about these two retainers, but I guess I can't find a consensus on how it makes you talk! I get my braces off in October.

Please help!

Mark

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:30 am
by TeenQueen
I have an Essix on the top and a Hawley on my bottom teeth. I lisp a little bit but it never botherd me since I was so happy to have my braces off. I never had any gagging. The more you wear them and get used to them the easeir it will be to talk. I now wear mine at night so I do have to say my lisp has come back, but again the retainers are soooooo much better than braces. Good Luck :lol:

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 1:21 am
by kirst1583
I have the opposite to TeenQueen; a Hawley on the top and an essix for the bottom (over the top of a bonded retainer).
My speech is fine. I do notice a difference but when I ask other people they say I sound normal so it mustn't be too bad.
I never had gagging or anything. It did take a bit of getting used to but the more you wear them the easier it will be.

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:37 am
by erica
It only took me a day or two to begin talking normally with my upper and lower Essix retainers. I just sang along a lot with the radio for practice and found that my lisp (which was QUITE noticeable that first day! :) ) quickly disappeared. Fortunately, I never had any problems with gagging. Best of luck, and congrats on the upcoming debanding!