Metal Mouth Message Board

hey ~
I'm getting my braces off in dec and getting an Essix retainer on top that will need to be worn 24x7 for 1 year.
My gut instinct is that I should request a Hawley retainer instead.
This is because it seems like an Essix retainer is slightly visible ~
The uneducated public will wonder what is going on.
Where with a Hawley, it will be very obviously A RETAINER.
Any comments?
Like everyone else, if it were all up to me, I could wear a retainer that was COMPLETELY invisible...

the essix retainer isn't all that much visible...no one really noticed when i had mine in...my best friend saw me when i came out of the ortho's office and asked me why i wasn't wearing my retainer...and my dad thought that it was just my teeth looking whiter...

I was talking to someone wearing the essix retainer and I had no idea she was even wearing it! The hawley you will see, of course.

The Essix is really invisible. Only - just like getting ceramics - you'll really notice it at first, and have a slight lisp. And then you'll have to try and point it out to people and explain, whereas with a Hawley, they'll have already noticed it!

I love my upper Essix, even though it just broke. I put CG Tooth Mousse in it at night and stuff (I hope that's not what broke it ) It's really subtle and comfortable and great.

Good point!
I overheard my ortho explain why an essix retainer was better for a teenaged client.
It would be good to know if there is also reason that it would be more appropriate for an adult.