Hawley, Essix, Bonded : Opinions on all! Pros and cons.

[treelessbark]

Ok. So I have another year or so for a retainer, haha. But I've been thinking about talking to my ortho about his options.

Most people I know got their bottom teeth Bonded. Which I'm thinking this is what I wanna do, Don't have to think about it, wam bam thank you ma'am. Haha.

However for top I'm not sure. My ex had a top bonded and his broke and he got his gap back..bummer. I don't want this chance of happening to me.

According to my consultation I'll have to wear my retainer 24/7 for the first 6 months and then only nights for about 10 years (but you never know....maybe forever. haha)

Soooooo. My issue for top is between Hawley or Essix.

See I'm only 22. However I get mistaken for a high schooler often.

(Seriously, Some guy at a bar thought I was 17...at a BAR! Geez)

Plus I'm getting my Cosmetology license (1 WEEK!!! AHH) and don't wanna be mistaken for a lil girl when I'm working. So I was thinking of Essix...If my ortho offers it. But are hawley that aweful, and does it usually decrease age value?

And are Essix usually more expensive?

Ok, well how about you just tell me what your feelings are on them, and if their are any other options I should consider. Thankssss!!

[Zeppguy73]

well, in my first go round with Essix as a kid, they did not help prevent my upper jaw from tilting back as I continued to grow. They fit, but when I would bite down, the upper retainer would come off as my molars hit. This time, I'm getting an upper bonded and upper and lower essix for nighttime wear. Hopefully I'm done growing enough at nearly 22yo, that this should hold. Anyways, essix are clear, easier to wear, but they can get a little dirty and worn out over time. Hawleys are typically bulkier, and there is a wire running across your teeth. They can get loose, but they can also be adjusted and are more durable in the long run. Bonded seem fine to me (my ortho actually has upper and lower bonded on his own teeth) and are usually a flat wire glued behind the teeth. Only drawback is potentially food getting stuck up there. But they are hidden, and apparently comfortable. My ortho has assured me that any speech impediment, if I do develop one at all, with the bonded will go away in a matter of hours or days. Plus, I'm assuming that it would be minor compared to the impediment caused by Hawleys.