Hawley Retainer - 1st week after Brace Removal - Help!
Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 2:02 pm
Hello. I had my braces removed last Monday (4/28/08). What a feeling! Free at last! Didn't hurt a bit. The same day was fitted for a Hawley Retainer (thin wire) for upper and lower. My problem is that with the retainers in, my bottom teeth hit the upper plastic palatte of the retainer not allowing my teeth to engage in a full proper bite. It's as if I am purposefully touching my bottom and upper front teeth which causes jaw pain and stiffness. My back molars do not touch. Since this retainer is hard plastic, I don't see it "giving in" as the braces did in the beginning. I called my Ortho and received serious attitude for making the call. I am supposed to wear 24/7 for 6 months then nightly indefinitely. I couldn't bear to sleep with them last night (first night) as it was too uncomfortable. It feels too thick on the top retainer.
Anyone else have this issue? I can wear this during the day, but the pressure on my bottom teeth pressing against the upper plastic is too painful. Shouldn't the plastic part be more unobstrusive? I expected a slight speech empediment, but not this.
Thank you,
Piper Leah
Anyone else have this issue? I can wear this during the day, but the pressure on my bottom teeth pressing against the upper plastic is too painful. Shouldn't the plastic part be more unobstrusive? I expected a slight speech empediment, but not this.
Thank you,
Piper Leah