Cracks on my essix, should I replace?

Message

#1 Post by **buurin** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 12:54 pm

I posted here for a while, finished my treatment, and now I'm on nightly Essix retainers. I guess I should have come back earlier and post a conclusion to that.

However my lower retainer had developed some cracks. There is a crack along three of the lower right molars, and a vertical one towards the front so the retainer can bend a lot, but at least it's still in one piece.

I have read that Essix can fail at 1 year or so; myself having finished the course in April 2007 and this is my original retainer, I must say I'm doing good, but the cracks worry me. Top one is doing much better, but still had a hole worn through in the back.

Should I get a replacement Hawley at least for the lower? If so I have to make an appointment now as I am going out of country end of this month and I'd have no access to anything

for a few weeks. And I don't like the feel of essixs pushing my teeth apart.

#2 Post by **switchblades** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:12 am

I'd say at least contact your ortho, because you don't now how much impact the cracks will have on relapse. It's worth the replacement cost!

#3 Post by **browneyedgrl** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 7:05 pm

I agree with Switchblades. It's definitely worth replacing for a minimal fee than going through treatment again.

B