Are there different kinds of essix retainers?

[ambraced]

My orthodontist gave me essix retainers which are sort of hard and less than 1mm thick and they feel tight and nice when I wear them. I went to an other orthodontist (I just needed a change of scene from the previous clinic) to get a spare set and he gave me these hideous retainers which were between 1.5mm and even 2mm thick in some places. I actually measured them with a vernier caliper! I couldn't even close my mouth with them. When I searched on internet I saw they were similar to mouth guards used for bruxism. They didn't feel firm against my teeth and the material was kind of rubbery. They didn't feel like they were doing any retention at all when I tried them on. I shall have to go back with them and see.........

Anyone has anything similar?

Are there different kinds of essix retainers for post brace retention? I know there are other sorts for bleaching trays and other purposes.

[Snowglobe32]

I would assume there are different materials available to make retainers. My essix is really clear, thin and not bulky at all. My co worker has an essix which isn't as clear (almost cloudy) as mine and it is also thicker...

[ambraced]

I found normally they are 0.02, 0.03 or 0.04 inches thick i.e. 1mm maximum. My old uppers are a bit less than 1mm and the lowers are a bit thinner. The new ones are at least double the thickness at 2mm. Really need some specific information if someone knows any specific details please!
Many thanks!

[bracedincollege?]

I'm not sure of the exact thickness of mine, but I received a pair of thin, barely noticeable ones to wear during the day and a slightly thicker pair for nights just after removal. After a few months, I broke my upper night essix, and my ortho gave me an even thicker one that gave me lots of trouble talking. As far as material goes though, mine all seemed to be made of the same type of plastic.

[phasesofbeauty]

This is fascinating. I never knew that there were different types of essix retainers.