Arrggh - Essix retainer cracked already!

If you have finished with your orthodontic treatment and are wearing retainers (or will be soon), this is a special place to connect with others in your (enviable) situation. Ask a question or make a comment about life post-braces.

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weird_wired
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Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2005 1:33 pm
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Arrggh - Essix retainer cracked already!

#1 Post by weird_wired »

This morning I took my Essix retainer (the clear plastic kind) out and just as I was about to clean it, I noticed that it was cracked.

It's been TEN DAYS!

The weirdest thing is that at the start, it took more force to get it on and off, but lately - including this morning - it has come off much more easily. It still takes a tug, but I don't have to spend ages yanking it out like formerly.

And now a huge crack, right down the middle of the front teeth.

And it's the weekend here, so I can't call my orthodontist until Sunday :(

weird_wired
Posts: 427
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2005 1:33 pm
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#2 Post by weird_wired »

Well, I'm wearing it now, and it still felt slightly tight when I put it on (which always happens if I haven't worn it for a few hours).

I figure that the sides of it are intact and probably working at least 90% as much as they should be, so the back/side teeth will hopefully be ok, and the front teeth have a permanent retainer behind them, so fingers crossed they won't go all weird in the next few days.

I also forgot that it's Eid (muslim holiday) all next week here - or at least several days - which will probably make it tricky to get a replacement very quickly.

Maybe I should ask for a thicker one?

KittyW
Posts: 309
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2004 2:24 pm
Location: California, USA

#3 Post by KittyW »

And now a huge crack, right down the middle of the front teeth.
Wow, mine cracked in the front too! I called my ortho and they said that since I am going to need a new one after my new crown (I get that Tuesday), no rush to get a new one made. I am wearing the "temp retainer" the ortho made for me when my braces first came off. I think the plastic on the essix gets dry and brittle over time. However, mine was much older than 10 days old!
Damon 3 - Dec. 7th, 2004
17.5 month duration
Debanded, gorgeous smile on May 16, 2006

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